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DCI Kett #12
Knuckle Bones
When a chamber of horrors is revealed during building work at Norfolk’s County Hall, dozens of bones arranged in an arcane pattern inside a long-forgotten cellar, everybody expects the worst—until a forensic team discovers that the human remains are decades old.
After the horror of his kidnapping at the hands of Hollenbeck, DCI Kett isn’t in a hurry to return to work. But Superintendent Clare thinks these historic crimes are the perfect way to ease him back into the job.
The case isn’t as cold as it looks, though. Soon Kett finds himself on the trail of a ruthless and obsessive killer, and caught in the crosshairs of one of the most powerful families in the city.
Occult rituals, cold-hearted revenge and bloody retribution—it falls once again to the Extreme Crime Task Force to solve a case that cuts right to the bone.
After the horror of his kidnapping at the hands of Hollenbeck, DCI Kett isn’t in a hurry to return to work. But Superintendent Clare thinks these historic crimes are the perfect way to ease him back into the job.
The case isn’t as cold as it looks, though. Soon Kett finds himself on the trail of a ruthless and obsessive killer, and caught in the crosshairs of one of the most powerful families in the city.
Occult rituals, cold-hearted revenge and bloody retribution—it falls once again to the Extreme Crime Task Force to solve a case that cuts right to the bone.
484 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2023
1095 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
Alex Smith
25 books678 followersAlex Smith wrote his first book when he was six. It wasn’t particularly good, but it did have some supernatural monsters in it. His latest books, the DCI Robert Kett thrillers, have monsters in them too, although these monsters are very human, and all the more terrifying for it. In between these two books he has published twelve other novels for children and teenagers under his full name, Alexander Gordon Smith—including the number one bestselling series Escape From Furnace, which is loved by millions of readers worldwide and which is soon to become a motion picture. He lives in Norwich with his wife and three young daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
August 19, 2024
Hat sich leider sehr gezogen und auch die Auflösung hab ich mir so schon ziemlich früh gedacht.
April 1, 2023
Another brilliant instalment in the series
Robbie Kett is back and on top form as he investigates a cold case - old bones uncovered in a long undisturbed cellar during building work. But nothing will ever go smoothly for Kett and once again he and his team find themselves trying to solve the most unlikely of crimes.
Exciting, suspenseful and hilarious, stuffed with favourite characters and a whole raft of new suspects, it’s one of the best in a gloriously entertaining series.
Robbie Kett is back and on top form as he investigates a cold case - old bones uncovered in a long undisturbed cellar during building work. But nothing will ever go smoothly for Kett and once again he and his team find themselves trying to solve the most unlikely of crimes.
Exciting, suspenseful and hilarious, stuffed with favourite characters and a whole raft of new suspects, it’s one of the best in a gloriously entertaining series.
April 2, 2023
deliciously, dark
I love this series, it has everything you want and need in it
This book is delicious dark , yet laugh out loud funny
I love this series, it has everything you want and need in it
This book is delicious dark , yet laugh out loud funny
April 9, 2023
So tossing good!
If you want a Dark, twisty, nightmarish read that’s also filled with humour, friendship and family then I Highly recommend.
If you want a Dark, twisty, nightmarish read that’s also filled with humour, friendship and family then I Highly recommend.
May 30, 2023
Loved it! They are always so well written and thought out. This was the first one without hollenbeck but I think that was handled really well. I really enjoy this series!
May 10, 2023
I always look forward to new offerings from the pen of Alex Smith, It has been so since reading his YA Furnace Series over a decade ago. I picked up this title on release day but was in the middle of some other stories and did not get to it right away. But when I did, I could hardly put it down.
This instalment in the Kett saga has a very different feel to it. At the beginning Kett is still not going to the office and leading active cases. He is just consulting on some. When what appears to be a really old cold case drops in their lap, they use it as a tool to pull Kett back in. But as fan of the series will know, nothing with Kett is ever as simple and straightforward as it appears. The description of this volume is:
“When a chamber of horrors is uncovered during building work at Norfolk’s County Hall, dozens of bones arranged in an arcane pattern inside a long-forgotten cellar, everybody expects the worst—until a forensic team discovers that the human remains are decades old.
After the horror of his kidnapping at the hands of Hollenbeck, DCI Kett isn’t in a hurry to return to work. But Superintendent Clare thinks these historic crimes are the perfect way to ease him back into the job.
The case isn’t as cold as it looks, though. Soon Kett finds himself on the trail of a ruthless and obsessive killer, and caught in a century-old struggle between some of the most powerful families in the city.
Occult rituals, cold-hearted revenge and bloody retribution—it falls once again to the Extreme Crime Task Force to solve a case that cuts right to the bone.”
It all start with a dig to expand the township offices. And unfortunately they unearth and old cellar, and one with a lot of secrets, and a lot of bones. But that cellar is linked to tunnels some more modern and some ancient that crisscross all over the place under the town. And what appears to be an old crime might just spark some new crimes. Soon not only is Kett back in the thick of it, but experiencing the bumps and bruises along the way. The team is glad he is back. After a huge misstep the Super and boss are not so much. But Kett always seems to find a way to get the job done. But to find out if he does and if so how you will need to read the story of this case.
If you have been fallowing the DCI Kett saga this book is a must read. If you happen to be a fan of rough and tough action you will almost certainly enjoy this novel. And the other books in the series. This is the thirteenth of the DCI Kett stories that I have read, the twelfth novel, Kett has also made a brief appearance in The Harder They Fall, the first of the Softley Series of books.
About the author we are informed that:
“Alex Smith wrote his first book when he was six. It wasn’t particularly good, but it did have some supernatural monsters in it. His latest books, the DCI Robert Kett thrillers, have monsters in it too, although these monsters are very human, and all the more terrifying for it. In between these two books he has published thirteen other novels for children and teenagers under his full name, Alexander Gordon Smith—including the number one bestselling series Escape From Furnace, which is loved by millions of readers worldwide and which is soon to become a motion picture. He lives in Norwich with his wife and three young daughters.”
My original introduction to Smith’s works were The Furnace novels many years ago. I have not read everything he has published but much of it. And they are always edge of your seat thrillers. I still hope that someday he will finally release book 2 is the Softley Softley Series, but until then I am thankful for another read in this dark and disturbing series. For some the Kett stories will be the things of nightmares, for others a look at the underside of society. But no matter how you read them they are crime thrillers with a lot of action, great characters and often a significant violence! This one has several twists and more than a few surprises for Kett, the team and for us the readers!
This instalment in the Kett saga has a very different feel to it. At the beginning Kett is still not going to the office and leading active cases. He is just consulting on some. When what appears to be a really old cold case drops in their lap, they use it as a tool to pull Kett back in. But as fan of the series will know, nothing with Kett is ever as simple and straightforward as it appears. The description of this volume is:
“When a chamber of horrors is uncovered during building work at Norfolk’s County Hall, dozens of bones arranged in an arcane pattern inside a long-forgotten cellar, everybody expects the worst—until a forensic team discovers that the human remains are decades old.
After the horror of his kidnapping at the hands of Hollenbeck, DCI Kett isn’t in a hurry to return to work. But Superintendent Clare thinks these historic crimes are the perfect way to ease him back into the job.
The case isn’t as cold as it looks, though. Soon Kett finds himself on the trail of a ruthless and obsessive killer, and caught in a century-old struggle between some of the most powerful families in the city.
Occult rituals, cold-hearted revenge and bloody retribution—it falls once again to the Extreme Crime Task Force to solve a case that cuts right to the bone.”
It all start with a dig to expand the township offices. And unfortunately they unearth and old cellar, and one with a lot of secrets, and a lot of bones. But that cellar is linked to tunnels some more modern and some ancient that crisscross all over the place under the town. And what appears to be an old crime might just spark some new crimes. Soon not only is Kett back in the thick of it, but experiencing the bumps and bruises along the way. The team is glad he is back. After a huge misstep the Super and boss are not so much. But Kett always seems to find a way to get the job done. But to find out if he does and if so how you will need to read the story of this case.
If you have been fallowing the DCI Kett saga this book is a must read. If you happen to be a fan of rough and tough action you will almost certainly enjoy this novel. And the other books in the series. This is the thirteenth of the DCI Kett stories that I have read, the twelfth novel, Kett has also made a brief appearance in The Harder They Fall, the first of the Softley Series of books.
About the author we are informed that:
“Alex Smith wrote his first book when he was six. It wasn’t particularly good, but it did have some supernatural monsters in it. His latest books, the DCI Robert Kett thrillers, have monsters in it too, although these monsters are very human, and all the more terrifying for it. In between these two books he has published thirteen other novels for children and teenagers under his full name, Alexander Gordon Smith—including the number one bestselling series Escape From Furnace, which is loved by millions of readers worldwide and which is soon to become a motion picture. He lives in Norwich with his wife and three young daughters.”
My original introduction to Smith’s works were The Furnace novels many years ago. I have not read everything he has published but much of it. And they are always edge of your seat thrillers. I still hope that someday he will finally release book 2 is the Softley Softley Series, but until then I am thankful for another read in this dark and disturbing series. For some the Kett stories will be the things of nightmares, for others a look at the underside of society. But no matter how you read them they are crime thrillers with a lot of action, great characters and often a significant violence! This one has several twists and more than a few surprises for Kett, the team and for us the readers!
November 14, 2025
Knuckle Bones by Alex Smith is the 12th book in the DCI Kett series. Construction works unearth a chamber along a series of tunnels containing bones arranged in an arcane pattern and when a similar more recent find is made, The Extreme Crime Task Force find themselves chasing a killer linked to prominant families and an ancient cult. A superb crime thriller in a series that is best read in order, as catching up with the team and their families is one of the best parts. Here we see the birth of Pete Porter's baby. Plenty of humour despite the gruesomeness. A brilliant police procedural mystery.
December 8, 2025
I liked this one, but it missed the mark a little for me! I think it felt a bit disjointed at the end with Foulger being involved, but not being involved! I was also really sad that Ron's intentions were not as Kett first thought! He very nearly had a friend! It felt redeemed at the end by the birth of the baby, but this one was not my favourite sadly. However, still looking forward to the next one!
April 18, 2023
Another brilliant book from Alex Smith.
It’s always good to catch up with Kett and the team and this is an action packed crime thriller.
With building work taking place on Norwich, they don’t expect to find bones underground and displayed in a strange fashion. There’s multiple people that the bones have come from and what seems like a cold case, soon turns into a present day murder investigation.
Kett is meant to be easing back in gently but this case had a lot in store for him.
As always, a great crime story with a sprinkling of humour along the way.
It’s always good to catch up with Kett and the team and this is an action packed crime thriller.
With building work taking place on Norwich, they don’t expect to find bones underground and displayed in a strange fashion. There’s multiple people that the bones have come from and what seems like a cold case, soon turns into a present day murder investigation.
Kett is meant to be easing back in gently but this case had a lot in store for him.
As always, a great crime story with a sprinkling of humour along the way.
April 6, 2023
I so enjoy reading crime stories with strong and memorable police teams. So the books of J D Kirk and David J Gatward always delight me. As do the books of Alex Smith.
Knuckle Bones has a great deal of team activity in it, none of which I'll spoil here. It also has a story which, despite a slow start before any crime appears to have been committed, develops into a fast-paced thriller. Once past the initial 40% or so of the book, events really take off. So be prepared to have a late night reading through to the final page.
I'm looking forward to your next, Alex.
Knuckle Bones has a great deal of team activity in it, none of which I'll spoil here. It also has a story which, despite a slow start before any crime appears to have been committed, develops into a fast-paced thriller. Once past the initial 40% or so of the book, events really take off. So be prepared to have a late night reading through to the final page.
I'm looking forward to your next, Alex.
November 11, 2024
Knuckle Bones by Alex Smith is a captivating blend of brutal realism, dark humour, and vivid, unique narrative. Set in a bleak, dystopian setting, Smith takes readers on a fascinating and unnerving journey through themes of survival, moral uncertainty, and human perseverance. Smith's style is sharp and visceral, with each scene conveying a sense of urgency that keeps you on edge from start to finish.
Knuckle Bones' characters are deep and layered, with imperfections that provide authenticity. Porter, the group's reluctant optimist, is especially notable, offering brightness with his constant attempts to brew the perfect cup of tea—a running joke that, despite the grim backdrop, provides solace to both the characters and the reader. This botched tea ceremony is transformed into a symbol of persistence, an anchor for humanity in a world where little else is familiar.
Meanwhile, Duke and Kate's relationship unfolds with an intensity that’s both a solace and a vulnerability in their brutal environment. Their coupling is portrayed with a raw tenderness, adding a rare, fragile beauty to the story. The arrival of a baby later in the novel shifts the stakes dramatically, introducing a spark of hope and new fear. The child represents not just survival but the future itself, challenging the characters to confront what kind of world they’re fighting for.
Smith has a gift for creating characters that feel real, allowing readers to grapple with moral questions alongside the protagonists, creating an immersive experience that’s both reflective and thrilling. The bond between the characters, built on shared hardships and rare moments of solace, adds to the novel's emotional depth, making each decision feel deeply consequential.
One of the most notable parts of Knuckle Bones is its world-building. Smith creates a gritty atmosphere that is both brutal and eerily beautiful, with vividly detailed settings that provide dimension to the story's sense of despair. Smith also has a talent for dialogue, which he uses not just to propel the action but also to disclose more about the characters' internal issues and personalities.
The pace is unrelenting, with just enough pauses to allow readers to recover their breath before plunging back into action. Some sections may be difficult for sensitive readers owing to the visceral depiction of violence and suffering, but these components are essential to the story's effect, emphasising the brutality and tenacity that define the protagonists' journey.
Knuckle Bones is a gritty, compelling tale that is difficult to put down. Fans of dystopian literature with a psychological edge will find it fascinating, and Smith's ability to blend grim topics with crisp, occasionally darkly funny prose is admirable. The humanity that shows through the individuals' modest rituals, connections, and optimism for the future transforms this work into a remarkable exploration of what it means to exist and love in a fragmented world.
Knuckle Bones' characters are deep and layered, with imperfections that provide authenticity. Porter, the group's reluctant optimist, is especially notable, offering brightness with his constant attempts to brew the perfect cup of tea—a running joke that, despite the grim backdrop, provides solace to both the characters and the reader. This botched tea ceremony is transformed into a symbol of persistence, an anchor for humanity in a world where little else is familiar.
Meanwhile, Duke and Kate's relationship unfolds with an intensity that’s both a solace and a vulnerability in their brutal environment. Their coupling is portrayed with a raw tenderness, adding a rare, fragile beauty to the story. The arrival of a baby later in the novel shifts the stakes dramatically, introducing a spark of hope and new fear. The child represents not just survival but the future itself, challenging the characters to confront what kind of world they’re fighting for.
Smith has a gift for creating characters that feel real, allowing readers to grapple with moral questions alongside the protagonists, creating an immersive experience that’s both reflective and thrilling. The bond between the characters, built on shared hardships and rare moments of solace, adds to the novel's emotional depth, making each decision feel deeply consequential.
One of the most notable parts of Knuckle Bones is its world-building. Smith creates a gritty atmosphere that is both brutal and eerily beautiful, with vividly detailed settings that provide dimension to the story's sense of despair. Smith also has a talent for dialogue, which he uses not just to propel the action but also to disclose more about the characters' internal issues and personalities.
The pace is unrelenting, with just enough pauses to allow readers to recover their breath before plunging back into action. Some sections may be difficult for sensitive readers owing to the visceral depiction of violence and suffering, but these components are essential to the story's effect, emphasising the brutality and tenacity that define the protagonists' journey.
Knuckle Bones is a gritty, compelling tale that is difficult to put down. Fans of dystopian literature with a psychological edge will find it fascinating, and Smith's ability to blend grim topics with crisp, occasionally darkly funny prose is admirable. The humanity that shows through the individuals' modest rituals, connections, and optimism for the future transforms this work into a remarkable exploration of what it means to exist and love in a fragmented world.
April 9, 2023
When bones are discovered in the tunnels that run under the city of Norwich DCI Robert Kett and his team are called in to investigate this cold case. Ably assisted by DI Pete Porter, DC Kate Savage and PC Arron Duke and their infuriating boss DSup Colin Clarethey try to make sense of the ritualised way the bones are found. This is going to be a case like no other they've ever investigated and it remains to be seen if they'll all come out alive.
This case will take them down roads they don't want to go, with a number of suspects from vagrants junkies to the illuminati of Norwich can our intrepid team discover a killer or killers and hopefully prevent further bloodshed, you'll have to read the book to find out.
Ps Alex Smith is a favourite writer of mine and these books are excellent apart from one thing, DSup Clare's use of the word toss, it was a little endearing at the start but surely one of his team would've taken him aside and explained that this a puerile and childish way to speak. I mean most normal people would know this isn't normal and I hate the fact that after twelve books in the series Alex is still having him speak like that it's becoming irritating now and it really spoils my enjoyment of these books, it might seem a small issue but it's not it's really, really stupid and it's gone way beyond acrimonious for me now.
This case will take them down roads they don't want to go, with a number of suspects from vagrants junkies to the illuminati of Norwich can our intrepid team discover a killer or killers and hopefully prevent further bloodshed, you'll have to read the book to find out.
Ps Alex Smith is a favourite writer of mine and these books are excellent apart from one thing, DSup Clare's use of the word toss, it was a little endearing at the start but surely one of his team would've taken him aside and explained that this a puerile and childish way to speak. I mean most normal people would know this isn't normal and I hate the fact that after twelve books in the series Alex is still having him speak like that it's becoming irritating now and it really spoils my enjoyment of these books, it might seem a small issue but it's not it's really, really stupid and it's gone way beyond acrimonious for me now.
April 18, 2023
Over the series, I've become very invested in the DCI Kett series and Knuckle Bones is yet another brilliant addition to these books. I love the team with all their camaraderies and the way their personal lives sometimes impact on the professional. I love the down time we have with Kett's family as it really balances out the inevitable darkness in these books. And I bloody love Colin tossing Clare.
As any readers familiar with Alex Smith's books, Knuckle Head is a dark, gritty and chilling read - you won't catch me visiting any underground tunnels in the near future.
With the Norwich 'magical' folk lorey history element seeping into the storyline we are given an extra chill because framing the books in this context makes the crime very believable.
Of course it's a completely immersive read - I read it over a couple of days and throughly enjoyed it.
The twists kept coming and the links between storylines was well plotted. Gripping is the only word for it. Can't wait for the next one (Hint Hint)
As any readers familiar with Alex Smith's books, Knuckle Head is a dark, gritty and chilling read - you won't catch me visiting any underground tunnels in the near future.
With the Norwich 'magical' folk lorey history element seeping into the storyline we are given an extra chill because framing the books in this context makes the crime very believable.
Of course it's a completely immersive read - I read it over a couple of days and throughly enjoyed it.
The twists kept coming and the links between storylines was well plotted. Gripping is the only word for it. Can't wait for the next one (Hint Hint)
April 11, 2023
Knuckle Bones -
Book 12 of what I say is the best crime thriller series. As I have stated in previous reviews of this series, then start at book 1 and enjoy the ride. I also say, will Alex be able to keep up the quality of this series. I did question this a little at the start of this book as it did set off at a slower pace to some of his previous books. However, the book then exploded into action and had all the normal excitement. I was trying to read each page faster to try and find out what happened next. As ever the humour is brilliant and you can really relate to each team member. Was it as good as King Rat - No - but still a great read. 5 out of 5 again from me and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Book 12 of what I say is the best crime thriller series. As I have stated in previous reviews of this series, then start at book 1 and enjoy the ride. I also say, will Alex be able to keep up the quality of this series. I did question this a little at the start of this book as it did set off at a slower pace to some of his previous books. However, the book then exploded into action and had all the normal excitement. I was trying to read each page faster to try and find out what happened next. As ever the humour is brilliant and you can really relate to each team member. Was it as good as King Rat - No - but still a great read. 5 out of 5 again from me and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
April 16, 2023
UA Tossing Great Plot!
Another fascinating mystery for Kett and the team to solve. This one was a little harder to get into than the others but sure caught fire at the end. The description of those claustrophobic tunnels was too real. Wonderful twists and lots of red herrings. Don't understand what is going on with Clare but he is going to give himself a coronary if he doesn't calm down soon. He is extremely abusive to Kett for some unobvious reason. His use of the word toss in all its endless variations is truly inspiring. A happy event for Porter and Alice. The author seemed to be getting a bit raw with his words in the Christmas story and Knuckle Bones. I didn't appreciate the comparing Clare's coat to a camel's v....a and a few other choice bits.
Another fascinating mystery for Kett and the team to solve. This one was a little harder to get into than the others but sure caught fire at the end. The description of those claustrophobic tunnels was too real. Wonderful twists and lots of red herrings. Don't understand what is going on with Clare but he is going to give himself a coronary if he doesn't calm down soon. He is extremely abusive to Kett for some unobvious reason. His use of the word toss in all its endless variations is truly inspiring. A happy event for Porter and Alice. The author seemed to be getting a bit raw with his words in the Christmas story and Knuckle Bones. I didn't appreciate the comparing Clare's coat to a camel's v....a and a few other choice bits.
May 2, 2023
Utterly nail-biting!
Wow! This series of books just get better and better!. This had me sitting on the edge of my seat with lots of shout out loud moments, squeezing my eyes shut in fear of the next line towards the end. As always, the banter is hilarious with plenty of laugh out moments. If you haven't read this entire series, then you need to get some serious fomo! I can't wait for book 13. I've never come across a series of books where they are utterly nail-biting and terrifying one moment and hilarious the next but always in context. The individual personality of the characters are brilliant, and the spark between them all is so clear and really comes across. Fingers crossed, we won't have to wait too long to visit them all again.
Wow! This series of books just get better and better!. This had me sitting on the edge of my seat with lots of shout out loud moments, squeezing my eyes shut in fear of the next line towards the end. As always, the banter is hilarious with plenty of laugh out moments. If you haven't read this entire series, then you need to get some serious fomo! I can't wait for book 13. I've never come across a series of books where they are utterly nail-biting and terrifying one moment and hilarious the next but always in context. The individual personality of the characters are brilliant, and the spark between them all is so clear and really comes across. Fingers crossed, we won't have to wait too long to visit them all again.
April 5, 2023
Best one yet.
Another belter of a story from the excellent writer, Alex Smith. This series just gets better with each edition. It started as a slow burner, but oh my goodness, the intrigue soon started building, and I was carried along with hardly a pause for breath. The last few chapters were causing me severe anxiety. I really thought one of the main characters was in danger of being written out. Well, Mr. Smith, you ramped up the tension to the nth degree, and what ending it was. Bravo Alex. ps. Hope you get well soon.
Another belter of a story from the excellent writer, Alex Smith. This series just gets better with each edition. It started as a slow burner, but oh my goodness, the intrigue soon started building, and I was carried along with hardly a pause for breath. The last few chapters were causing me severe anxiety. I really thought one of the main characters was in danger of being written out. Well, Mr. Smith, you ramped up the tension to the nth degree, and what ending it was. Bravo Alex. ps. Hope you get well soon.
April 6, 2023
Knuckle bones
Absolutely fantastic!! I've tried to take it easy reading this.....TRIED.....couldn't put it down, really hope there will be a book 13 very soon! Keep them coming please, Kett & the team are just fab, bounce off each other so well, the banter between them is great but love the family element in there with ketts girls .
Dci Kett is one of my favourite authors, along with jd Kirk Logan & hoon series and Alex scarrows dci boyd series, if you looking for something to read whilst waiting for the next instalment of kett then I reccomend these!!
Absolutely fantastic!! I've tried to take it easy reading this.....TRIED.....couldn't put it down, really hope there will be a book 13 very soon! Keep them coming please, Kett & the team are just fab, bounce off each other so well, the banter between them is great but love the family element in there with ketts girls .
Dci Kett is one of my favourite authors, along with jd Kirk Logan & hoon series and Alex scarrows dci boyd series, if you looking for something to read whilst waiting for the next instalment of kett then I reccomend these!!
April 12, 2023
Knucklebones
Another cracker of a book by Alex Smith. The Robbie Kett series just keeps getting better and better. The characters are so quirky and just like an extended family jelling together perfectly. The finding of old bones and a perfect cold case to draw Robbie back into work turns out to be so much more. Couldn't put the book down there was so many twists and turns. Clare just as obnoxious as ever and so my favourite person. Aaron getting to join the team too. About time. Can't wait for the next in series.
Another cracker of a book by Alex Smith. The Robbie Kett series just keeps getting better and better. The characters are so quirky and just like an extended family jelling together perfectly. The finding of old bones and a perfect cold case to draw Robbie back into work turns out to be so much more. Couldn't put the book down there was so many twists and turns. Clare just as obnoxious as ever and so my favourite person. Aaron getting to join the team too. About time. Can't wait for the next in series.
April 23, 2023
Honestly I can’t rate these books highly enough. I genuinely never want them to end and the fact I now have to wait until the next one comes out is heartbreaking. They’re complete and utter escapism for me, I adore the characters and I’m so grateful I found this author. I hope this series continues long into the future, the stories are always interesting and extreme (hence the extreme task force) which is what I love, they’re never boring or predictable. 10/10 and I will look forward to reading the next one.
April 4, 2023
Fantastic
Another fantastic book the story was gripping and you just can't put the book down. Alex takes you right to the action his writing brings the places and the characters to life. You find yourself at the edge of your seat and you have to carry on reading. Of course there are the points where you actually laugh out loud a great mixture of humor in the story.
Can't wait for the next book
Another fantastic book the story was gripping and you just can't put the book down. Alex takes you right to the action his writing brings the places and the characters to life. You find yourself at the edge of your seat and you have to carry on reading. Of course there are the points where you actually laugh out loud a great mixture of humor in the story.
Can't wait for the next book
April 8, 2023
Following his traumatic experience, Kett has been off work and is brought back to investigate a cold case, a selection of bones, arranged in a cellar uncovered during building work. However, things take an unexpected twist when a fresh body is discovered, leading to an investigation into ancient guilds and traditions. Great story with a particularly 'boo-hiss' character. Funny and grim, a perfect combination.
April 8, 2023
I just absolutely loved the bonus story that was included in this ebook “ Merry Tossing Christmas” that takes place between King Rat and this book Knuckle Bones. It was absolutely fantastic & hilarious.
Knuckle Bones takes place 8 months after King Rat , Kett has been doing work from home consulting on a few cases from his lovely new house, until some old bones are discovered……
What a book! Honestly every book in this series is incredible and has your heart pounding.
April 13, 2023
ANOTHER MASTERPIECE OF TERROR
I've read every book in the DCI Kett series. Every book has scared me to the extent I've had to stop reading for at least a day but all the while desperate to read on.
This was another fantastic Kett storyline. Alex Smith has outdone himself. Again! Although there are plenty of terrifying moments there's also loads of laughs courtesy of Kett's lovely daughters.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one.
I've read every book in the DCI Kett series. Every book has scared me to the extent I've had to stop reading for at least a day but all the while desperate to read on.
This was another fantastic Kett storyline. Alex Smith has outdone himself. Again! Although there are plenty of terrifying moments there's also loads of laughs courtesy of Kett's lovely daughters.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one.
May 1, 2023
Tossingly good
This book (and the rest of the series) seems to me rather like a Morse with the Carry On gang. A great plot and story well told with plenty off suspense, drama and twists and turns. The extra delight in reading this book is the great relationship between the police team members, very funny banter between them in particular, many laugh out loud and 'tossing ' moments. 'A bucket of monkey's toss' and 'limp-dicked weasel ' are treasures.
This book (and the rest of the series) seems to me rather like a Morse with the Carry On gang. A great plot and story well told with plenty off suspense, drama and twists and turns. The extra delight in reading this book is the great relationship between the police team members, very funny banter between them in particular, many laugh out loud and 'tossing ' moments. 'A bucket of monkey's toss' and 'limp-dicked weasel ' are treasures.
June 9, 2023
I have certainly enjoyed this twelve book series by Alex Smith, and I'm so sorry that it has come to an end, Knuckle Bones like all the others is brilliant and I shall miss DCI Kett, DS Porter, DC Savage and Duke, they have become like friends, in stories that make you gasp and hold your breath and every one of them are absolutely brilliant, and that is an honest view as I've read all twelve one after the other and thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them.
June 25, 2023
Now I'm caught up with the series at the moment....come on Aug and a new book! Kett is returning to work after the horrors of Hollenbeck so Clare gives him an easy cold case...but with Kett nothing is easy. This time we dip into superstitions and madness when bones are discovered in a subterranean cavern in an intricate pattern on the wall...what the heck does this all mean...and Allie is ready to have the baby! All exciting stuff! Excellent read.
July 7, 2023
So this is the month for reviews
And I am very happy to write this one. Alex Smith writes with a finely tuned ear to the reader including their sense of humor. I find myself remembering a phrase days later and chuckling over it, once getting a remark in the grocery store. The plots lead you along, you can't help but follow, until you stop and go what the heck, wait a minute, back up, and go in the right direction. Just really good books.
And I am very happy to write this one. Alex Smith writes with a finely tuned ear to the reader including their sense of humor. I find myself remembering a phrase days later and chuckling over it, once getting a remark in the grocery store. The plots lead you along, you can't help but follow, until you stop and go what the heck, wait a minute, back up, and go in the right direction. Just really good books.
August 7, 2023
Heroes Cleanup a Complicated Mess
A serious mixture of heroics, humor, family love, and horror makes Alex Smith’s work an entertaining satisfying read. DCI Kett’s team uncovers scary-bloody ritualistic murders that span centuries and put the evildoers away. What they are fighting for is a good life, which is what makes this popular literature category work for me. Thank you to Alex Smith.
A serious mixture of heroics, humor, family love, and horror makes Alex Smith’s work an entertaining satisfying read. DCI Kett’s team uncovers scary-bloody ritualistic murders that span centuries and put the evildoers away. What they are fighting for is a good life, which is what makes this popular literature category work for me. Thank you to Alex Smith.
February 11, 2024
Loved it ish
For some reason I didn't enjoy as much as the others so far in the series, even though I really enjoyed the other similar ish story about occults and Black magic , not entirely sure why this time. Was nice to see a different side off kett ie friendships with Ron and dad's and actually felt sadness and rage when I thought porter had died so still very gripping , just wasn't as in love as with the others
For some reason I didn't enjoy as much as the others so far in the series, even though I really enjoyed the other similar ish story about occults and Black magic , not entirely sure why this time. Was nice to see a different side off kett ie friendships with Ron and dad's and actually felt sadness and rage when I thought porter had died so still very gripping , just wasn't as in love as with the others
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