Forgotten Lives

Whitby's Forgotten Victims #2

by Wes Markin

Coming Soon

Genres: Crime, Fiction, Procedural

418 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2024

About the author

Be sure to follow Wes on BookBub for the latest on sales: bit.ly/3tFWIHL

Wes Markin lives in Harrogate and is the bestselling author of the DCI Yorke crime novels set in Salisbury. He is also the author of the Jake Pettman series set in New England.

Reviews

[Chris campion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series, if you are going to read them I recommend you do so in order.
There were a lot of characters to keep up with and because I read from a kindle it’s not easy to leaf back as it is with a book but I persevered and it all came together in the end. I enjoyed reading it and will at some point maybe read the next in the series .

[Helen Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow, quite possibly my favourite yet by this author, actually blown away. The intense emotional rollercoaster, that I embarked on, has my head still spinning even though I finished the book 15 minutes ago. There were quite a lot of tears shed along the way because I was deeply invested in these characters. Definitely more than a little tugging on heart strings, I’m a big wrung out but I loved the ending and am recovering nicely. There are a lot of intense parent child relationships within the story, not least the lead detective with his personal life and own missing daughter. Very poignant and nice to have a viewpoint where we’re thoroughly behind the lead investigator and rooting for him both on a professional and personal level. The deep meaning, dedication and feeling he has for his work certainly shines through with his investigation. The backdrop of Whitby, a place close to my heart, is absolutely stunning and there is some fantastic descriptives of the landscape and particularly seascapes. Some good research also clearly done on local pubs, nice to see the dedication there, the extra mile hey!
There is a nice mix of characters and interwoven threads of the story to give it a nice complexity but not too overwhelming that it is difficult to keep track of who’s who, so top marks there. I did slightly guess the ending but that definitely didn’t detract from the experience and I was really chuffed how it all panned out.
Overall an exhilarating and very rewarding read, I don’t give five star ratings easily but this more than deserved it.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beim Abriss einer alten Kneipe wird eine Leiche gefunden. Der Tote wurde vor Jahrzehnten ermordet, wie der Pathologe auf den ersten Blick feststellt. Die Ermittlungen beginnen für DCI Frank Black und seine Kollegin DI Gerry Carver schleppend. Ein Comic, der in der Tasche des Toten gefunden wurde, bringt seine Identität ans Tageslicht. Aber auch als sie den Namen erfahren, bringt sie das nicht weiter. Denn der Tote war laut seiner Schwester ein freundlicher Mann, der in einem Kinderheim arbeitete und ein ruhiges Leben führte. Aber je weiter sie in seine Vergangenheit eindringen, desto mehr unangenehme Wahrheiten kommen ans Licht.

Gleich bei ihrem ersten Fall sind mit Frank und seine Kollegin Gerry ans Herz gewachsen. Sie sind nicht nur auf den ersten Blick ein ungewöhnliches Team, aber sie respektieren einander und haben sich mittlerweile an die sehr unterschiedliche Wesensart des jeweils anderen gewöhnt. Das hilft ihnen gerade in diesem Fall. Je weiter sie ermitteln, desto mehr ändert sich ihre Meinung über das Opfer. Irgendwann müssen sie sich fragen, ob sie wirklich den Täter finden wollen.

Die Handlung dreht sich nicht nur um den Toten allein. Es geht auch um die Menschen, denen er in der begegnet ist und deren Leben er verändert hat. Sie alle tragen die Spuren dieser Begegnung und jeder von ihnen hätte ein Motiv. So sehr Frank und Gerry mit ihnen fühlen, müssen die doch den Mord von damals aufklären.

Wes Markin hat mit dem zweiten Teil der Reihe um Frank Black und Gerry Carver einen Krimi geschrieben, in dem es nicht hauptsächlich um das Opfer, sondern auch um die möglichen Täter und die Frage geht, wie man ermitteln kann, wenn man das Opfer und sein Handeln eigentlich verabscheut.

[Nina Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two of this series so you know what you need to do to make the most of it. It's only one book so there's no excuse... It's called Forgotten Bones and it's a cracker...
In this, their second outing, we catch up with DCI Frank Black, DI Gerry Carver and her wonderful support dog Rylan, and their, well, I guess, motley crew as they try and get to the bottom of an historic murder. Skeletal human remains have been found in the cellar of a condemned pub, The Rusty Anchor, discovered by the inspector who was giving it a final inspection prior to demolition. They definitely have their work cut out for them as not only have they to identify the remains, they are obviously now working back in the past, I mean, I can hardly remember what I had for breakfast these days, let alone what was happening decades ago...
But, as they discover the identity of the victim, they also start to chip away at his life, and what they discover there, well, it's all rather nasty and shocking to say the very least. But that's all for you to discover as the author intends. We also meet several initially unconnected people along the way. Quite how they all tie in with the main story, if at all, again, is for you to discover...
I am a bit of a fan of this author, having devoured everything he has written and loved them all. This book was no exception to that and I absolutely whizzed through it, eager to see how on earth he would be able to tie up all the threads he had created, and was juggling, along the way. But he did, and it was sublime...
It's intense and emotional and really makes you (and the characters) question things - no I can't explain that, but you'll see what I mean when you find out certain things! We also have what is going on in Frank's personal life to add to that but, on the flip side, the balance is restored with some really great "dating" scenes with Gerry. Again, discover that yourself!
Pacing is great and without any superfluous waffle or padding, the story gets on with itself very well indeed. Characters are all well drawn and play their respective parts well, and the ending, when it came was shocking but wholly satisfying.
All in all, a cracking follow up to a brilliant series opener, roll on book three!

[Heather Copping · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgotten Lives by Wes Markin is book two in the series (Forgotten Lives) set in North Yorkshire and contains the familiar characters from book one, although it could be read as a stand-alone book.

In an old neglected and derelict pub called The Rusty Anchor, Ethan Crawley is surveying the building, assessing what will need doing.
When unexpectedly, he comes across skeletal remains sealed in behind a wall in the cellar. Very soon, Frank and his assistant DI Gerry, complete with her assistance dog Rylan, are on the case and questioning suspects.
Very soon, secrets and suspicions are cropping up, and Frank and Gerry are determined to find out what definitely happened in The Rusty Anchor that night all those years ago.

I loved the area where the story is set, in Whitby and the nearby North Yorkshire Moors, I have seen a neglected and then demolished pub high up on the moors and I think it sounds just like this pub in the story.
I found the working relationship between Frank and Gerry interesting, especially as it flows through from the previous book and
I liked the background stories of both Frank and Gerry, their lives and families, and Rylan, Gerry's assistance dog sounds such a lovely dog.
Easy to get immersed into the storyline and great characters, I really enjoyed reading it.

[Angie Petty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of a series about DCI Frank Black and his team. Frank is an older more mature policeman and his boss isn't his biggest fan simply because he thinks its time for Frank to retire. Therefore Frank seems to be given cold cases as no one else wants to sort them out. Frank chooses his own team from the leftovers that no one else wants to work with. He is such a good character that he brings out the best in people and the team he chooses all have their own strengths and work well with him as they respect him. DI Gerry Carver is his sidekick, she has autism and has to have a therapy dog (Rylan) with her to help her cope. In this book a body is found hidden behind a wall in a pud due to be demolished. It appears to have been there for around 30 years. With a lot of help from his team they do manage to identify the body.
I absolutely love this series, I like the dynamics of the assembled team, how they all interact with each other, but especially Frank who always thinks of the relations involved with the bodies they deal with and how he looks after his team. Looking forward to reading number 3.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It’s the second I’ve read in this series and this one was even better than the previous one and I loved that one too.

DCI Frank Black and his team are called to the discovery of a body found between the walls of a derelict pub. The pub was due to be demolished and the body was found by the person who was doing the final checks before demolition.

Frank and his team get to work straight away trying to determine who the victim was. They find out that the victim was called Adrian Hughes and he had disappeared back in the late 1980’s. As they get further into the investigation they realise that there are a lot more people involved that they first thought and they have a huge amount of work to do.

DI Gerry Carver continues to be a huge asset to the team and works tirelessly to find out more about everyone involved. Frank is amazed by her astuteness and her determination. It was nice to get a bit of an insight into Gerry’s life outside of work too in this book.

A great read. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

[Joanna Lambert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forgotten Lives is the second book in the Whitby’s Forgotten Victims series. We’re back with DCI Frank Black and DI Gerry Carver for another absorbing case. On this occasion a body is discovered bricked up in the basement of a pub due for demolition. As Frank and his team begin their investigations into this historic murder, it’s clear all is not as it seems. Piece by piece they begin to uncover a trail of unsavoury connections to the deceased.
Frank and Gerry are great characters. Frank especially is flawed. A man, haunted by his wife’s death who is currently in search of his elusive daughter, trying to make amends for his mistakes. The team are made up from officers who
Gerry with her therapy dog Rylan, reminds me of Saga Noren from The Bridge. Her autism means she tends to have a different take on life, but this is balanced out by her sharp observation skills.
This is an addictive series and the good news is I’ve two more books still to read. Wes Markin is an excellent crime writer and the Forgotten Victims series a great addition to his collection of impressive stories.

[Diane Lillie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been eagerly awaiting the second installment in this series and it did not disappoint.
Our lovable "dinosaur" DCI Frank Black and his team including the wonderfully blunt and straight talking Gerry Carver and her support dog Rylan are back to investigate another murder dating back decades.
Frank believes forgotten lives should be remembered and will stop at nothing to get justice. However , his beliefs and values are tested when things are not as they first seemed this time around.
I just love how this author so cleverly spins so many lives together through a past event. Those involved may all think they have kept their secrets and traumas well hidden but Gerry Carver has a special way of uncovering everything.
I would have loved to have more of Frank's daughters story explored and am really hoping that will happen in the next book.
I enjoyed this book even more than the first one if that is possible.

[margaret chalmers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unforgettable.

A wonderful story which I freely admit made me cry. Whitby and on the nearbye moors a decrepit pub is examined prior to demolition. A body is found and there follows a tale of abusers and the abused. We meet people still affected in different ways by the past, including a grossly obese man drowning in his own weight, a successful man who can't fully enjoy his success because of the bitterness of his past, a woman who fights for the rights of children who can't forget those she did not fight for and, Frank, our kind slob of a detective, still searching for his lost daughter and Gerry....the autistic colleague who actually finds a boyfriend. The detectives feel like friends. The broken lives and the resilience of the victims make you weep with pride. As to the predators? They simply make you weep for humanity. A hard read, beautifully written. Can't recommend it highly enough.

[Kaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forgotten Lives is book 2 in this series, it’s centred around North Yorkshire, and once again DCI Frank Black and DI Gerry Garver have another cold case to solve after a body is found hidden behind a wall in a derelict pub. The team are back from book one, and once again it’s good to see how well their different characters complement each other. I love how the working relationship between Frank and Gerry has developed, it shouldn’t work, but it does, and so well and that is down to the author, and his brilliant writing talent, not to forget Rylan, Gerry’s therapy dog. Some hard subject matters are the base of the storyline, which do include abuse, different story threads run parallel to the main investigation, which explain as to how the characters past lives were all connected. Wes Markin never fails to get the reader invested in each series.

[Jo Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a body of a man is discovered in the walls in a cellar of a disused pub, DCI Frank Black is called in to investigate. Along with DI Gerry Carver (and the lovely Rylan)

The case is complex and has so many facets. As I read on through the book and I learnt more about each character, I almost felt like they could not be connected at all, different as they all were - CEO of a charity, a morbidly obese man, a loving father - all connected to the dead person found in the wall.

Each character was so deep. Wes Markin has such a way of writing that the characters feel very real and you can also feel the pain they suffer. The ending was satisfactory too! No loose ends.

I will honestly read more of this author.

Thanks to Facebook's TBC Reviewers for the chance to read this for an honest review.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book was terrific but this one is on another level. It's an incredible read. The storyline is quite harrowing.It starts with the discovery of a body behind a wall of an old pub that is about to be demolished.

I liked Frank and Gerry in the earlier book but they're even better this time round. We see more of the personal side of Gerry's life while Frank is still in turmoil over his daughter. The investigation delves into events from many years before and I love how the author weaves the related stories from each of the characters together so skilfully to what is a totally satisfying end.

I just didn't want to put this down and can't wait for the next one.

[Vanessa Krushner · Rating 5 out of 5]

' I absolutely loved this one. Not a surprise as I have read the first in this particular series. Wes Markin has a wonderful way of giving us endearing and flawed characters. I was already engaged by the characters in the last book but this one brings them deeper personas. Frank Black is a tortured detective but a cold case has to be solved and this plot is great. It has twists and turns and keeps you guessing which in turn keeps you reading! I cannot finish this review without mentioning the very cleverly crafted character of Gerry Carver. I absolutely love this character and have found her fascinating. Cannot wait to read the next one in this series.

[Rebecca Banks Meiners · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this series

I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about the characters but after reading so many detective and fbi series where the main character constantly has extreme emotions and doesn’t follow the law i was getting fed up. This series is well written. I adore frank. I love his sloppiness and especially bertha. He’s a man I can see myself talking to in real life. The dynamics between him and gerry are great too. Too many books the main character is always a female that doesn’t like being told what to do so they do whatever the hell they want and make a mess of things. It doesn’t feel real. Frank and gerry feel real. Definitely recommend giving this series a go

[Claire-Louise Armstrong-Brealey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in this series and it truly doesn't disappoint!

A cold case turns up... so cold, no one knew it existed. But, a can of worms is unearthed, and the cracked (yes, cracked!) team gets stuck in.

The more I read of Gerry Carver, the more I fall in love with her. The more I get to know Frank Black, the more I want to hug him.

Just one thing. In amongst the blood, guts, and horror, why use the term 'passed'? We shy away from the words of death, and we really shouldn't. If you can describe heinous crimes, you can face the words of death. Dead, died, etc.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another case for DCI Frank Black and DI Gerry Carver I love these two.
A body is found hidden behind a pub wall who murdered him? While investigating the case a can of worms is opened and it's not going to be easy to solve but with Gerry's pernacity at digging deep and leaving no stone unturned it all comes together. Gerry's character is brilliant and her love life had me in stitches straight to the point no messing. Frank is still on the search for his missing daughter so a lot going on. Kept me gripped lots of twists and turns highly recommend.

[Helen French · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgotten Lives is the second of the Whitby's Forgotten Victims series, and I've seen enough now to think I'll probably be on board for any additions - it's a good read.

In this volume, a body is found in the walls of a pub that's about to be torn down, and DCI Frank Black and DI Gerry Carver are called in to investigate the decades-old murder.

I continue to enjoy the relationship growing between these two - it's so nice to see respect for really great police work on the page. They're so different, but help to bring out the best in one another.

We're getting to know the rest of Frank's team a little bit better now too, though I think that will come together more over additional books.

The crime was interesting and intriguing, but also very sad by the end.

A solid police/crime book.

[Marion Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow thoroughly enjoyed this book with all its twists and turns loved the fact that we got a small insight into Gerry’s life and that she shared it with frank. I love how these two detectives bounce off one another and that Gerry is keen to ensure frank looks after his health. The storyline had many twists and turns and had me guessing right till the end. I loved how the murder victim at first was portrayed as mr goody two shoes but as events unravelled it was soon revealed he was a dark character with a very shady past. I love this book and Wes markin is now another of my favourite authors

[Angie Jones-Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

No lives are forgotten with Frank and his team on the case.

A crime that has been woven together over decades to be solved with minimal evidence or witnesses.

As ever I love Frank and Gerry's partnership, they are growing together more with each book.

The crime is not straightforward and concentration is needed. I enjoyed reading every word of Forgotten Lives, Wes Markin is a firm favourite for me.

Definitely a strong recommendation to those who love to solve a murder, and in my case... simply cannot guess who did it!

Great writing!

[Huw P Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd not read the first book, but I loved this book. The style of the author's writing is different, unpretentious, but like he's talking to you personally. I was drawn in right at the beginning. Attention captured and ready to turn to the next page. The characters are well developed, intriguing and believable.... even the Rylan the therapy dog. The intertwining stories, past and present, keep you hooked. The fact it's set 'up north' in areas I know also helped me imagine the settings and characters. I'll go back and read book 1 and then read any more that follow. Highly recommend.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dynamics between Frank Black and his team are interesting and seem like it shouldn't work since they are quite different from one another but they all click in the ways that matter which helps draw the reader into it. The subplots within the main plot that helps to flush out the full story has some pretty intense moments where the reader might need to take a few minutes away from the story if it might hit too close to home. Great read overall. I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this book.

[Kath Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frank and Gerry are an unlikely pairing, both being officers others aren't keen to work with. He's getting on towards retirement, she has to have her therapy dog with her, and can be brutally honest with people, which they don't like.
I loved the interweaving of the characters' lives, and details of Frank's and Gerry's personal lives. They too, as well as those they're investigating, are forgotten people. A really engrossing and exciting story.

[julie young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another investigation for grumpy, big hearted , battered by life Detective Frank and his team . Still searching for his daughter Maddie, Frank is the victim of violence. He refuses to let this stop him working on the teams latest case, a body discovered behind a wall in a derelict pub. Dealing with heart breaking topics of grooming and child abuse ,powerful people Frank is determined to get to the truth. Another action packed, gripping read and another great character from Wes Markin.

[Clare Brack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner from Wes Markin ...DCI Frank and his team Gerry and her faithful hound Rylan along with the others are working on the discovery of a body from years ago found in a cellar. Lots of heartache is uncovered along the way and I found this emotionally told. Frank is also still living with his demons of missing his late wife and his concerns for his missing daughter. Can't wait for the 3rd one !

[Phil Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second of this series and the second of a brilliant story in this series, Frank and Gerry are not an obvious pair, but they work together brilliantly and you can see the growth they install in each other. The challenges they face in their private lives add depth and empathy to the characters, and the main plot was great, with twists and turns. And Frank's ability to bring the past to life is a great strength. And finally an ASD DI is brilliant to see.

[Jan Helliwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gritty, compulsive reading.

The second book in the Whitby’s Forgotten Victims series, even better than the first.
Dealing with societies worse situations that are ever present in it’s underbelly.
Combined with passion to expose the truth and with honest fervent zeal laced with compassion and kindness.
It touches on the personal lives of the DCI’s Frank and Gerry, each one having their own battles.
Then of course we have Rylan , Gerry’s support dog which all of need.

[kelly freaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I knew I'd enjoy this book as I do all of Wes Markin plus the 1st book in the series started strong. But wow this book was powerful. No spoilers but you never usually hate the victim but here you did. And then you have DCI Black personal struggles which bring tears you your eyes and Gerrys bluntness over sexual activities. It's a brilliant read

[Emma Ounsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wes Markin is fast becoming a firm fav of mine, love his Yorkshire based stories.
This one followed Frank and his autistic partner Gerry as they tried to solve a years old murder that brought them through to the present.
Well written, solid interesting characters and a fantastic, picturesque setting make this a great crime thriller.