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DCI Boyd #11
The Vanishing
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2024
425 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Alex Scarrow
63 books1,047 followersI live a nomadic existence with my wife Frances, and son Jacob. For now we're living in Norwich. I spent the first 10 years out of college in the music business chasing record deals and the next 12 years in the computer games business as a graphic artist and eventually a games designer. For those of you who like their computer games, here's some of the titles I've worked on:
Waterworld, Evolva, The Thing, Spartan, Gates of Troy, Legion Arena
Since signing up as an author with Orion, I seem to spend most of my time hunched over my laptop in various cafes and coffee bars sipping lattes, tapping keys and watching the ebb and flow of shoppers outside on the street. As I write this, I'm awaiting the launch of my next book - the sequel to , LAST LIGHT, and getting ready to find a publisher for the first book in a separate series, ELLIE QUIN. Ahead of me, lies research work for my next thriller, and also some screenplays I'm looking forward to writing. Although I'm glad to be where I am now, I do occasionally kick myself for not having succumbed to the writing bug much earlier. But then we all just muddle along through life, don't we? There's rarely a plan.
-Source: http://www.scarrow.co.uk/page9.html
Waterworld, Evolva, The Thing, Spartan, Gates of Troy, Legion Arena
Since signing up as an author with Orion, I seem to spend most of my time hunched over my laptop in various cafes and coffee bars sipping lattes, tapping keys and watching the ebb and flow of shoppers outside on the street. As I write this, I'm awaiting the launch of my next book - the sequel to , LAST LIGHT, and getting ready to find a publisher for the first book in a separate series, ELLIE QUIN. Ahead of me, lies research work for my next thriller, and also some screenplays I'm looking forward to writing. Although I'm glad to be where I am now, I do occasionally kick myself for not having succumbed to the writing bug much earlier. But then we all just muddle along through life, don't we? There's rarely a plan.
-Source: http://www.scarrow.co.uk/page9.html
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 1, 2024
I know authors always worry that as they continue in a series they will start to go stale or whatever other negative thoughts run through an authors mind.
Alex has zero with his Boyd series. We are now on book 11, and this is another cracker. I was reading thinking OK this seems OK, so far so predictable, woman goes missing, abusive husband, scummy stepson. Is she still alive?
Ha ha ha how wrong can one person be. This was not the case at all and went off in a truly brilliant and unexpected direction. The tension towards the end, with a cat and mouse chase in which I will willing the mouse to win, was simply breathtaking.
There are still the little jokes and asides with the rest of the gang, and there is still the mystery of Jay, Okekes boyfriend, that went off to the States to prove himself.
I may have called the author a bad name at the end, which I've no doubt will please him no end!!
Alex has zero with his Boyd series. We are now on book 11, and this is another cracker. I was reading thinking OK this seems OK, so far so predictable, woman goes missing, abusive husband, scummy stepson. Is she still alive?
Ha ha ha how wrong can one person be. This was not the case at all and went off in a truly brilliant and unexpected direction. The tension towards the end, with a cat and mouse chase in which I will willing the mouse to win, was simply breathtaking.
There are still the little jokes and asides with the rest of the gang, and there is still the mystery of Jay, Okekes boyfriend, that went off to the States to prove himself.
I may have called the author a bad name at the end, which I've no doubt will please him no end!!
August 25, 2024
I can't believe we're here on the eleventh book already. Okeke looks into the case of a woman who is missing. It turns out her home life is not ideal and her husband has previously been involved in a domestic violent investigation. The question is are they looking for a body or has she left of her own volition, especially when something seems to have spooked her out of the blue.
As usual, this was a page-turner. The constant is she dead or alive question had me hooked. My thoughts were flip-flopping throughout. Also following events in the last book, without any spoilers, there is another thread throughout in relation to Jay. The ending of the book leaves a nice sense of justice in my view while also leaving an intriguing thread to be pulled in the next book. Can't wait!
As usual, this was a page-turner. The constant is she dead or alive question had me hooked. My thoughts were flip-flopping throughout. Also following events in the last book, without any spoilers, there is another thread throughout in relation to Jay. The ending of the book leaves a nice sense of justice in my view while also leaving an intriguing thread to be pulled in the next book. Can't wait!
October 28, 2024
The 11th in this brilliant series and one with a very unexpected turn of events.
I would advise anyone who knows the series to just read this one on trust as any precis or review of the story is likely to give away the suprise that awaits and that would spoil it.
There is excitment and suspense but perhaps not in its usual form from this master storyteller.
Part of the back story to the series surfaces at the very end with a telephone call leaving an inviting cliffhanger for the next.
Certainly a 5* from me.
I would advise anyone who knows the series to just read this one on trust as any precis or review of the story is likely to give away the suprise that awaits and that would spoil it.
There is excitment and suspense but perhaps not in its usual form from this master storyteller.
Part of the back story to the series surfaces at the very end with a telephone call leaving an inviting cliffhanger for the next.
Certainly a 5* from me.
September 2, 2024
Book 11 of the DCI Boyd series & another brilliant read!
A great police procedural with just the right amount of tension, character development, cliff hangers & intrigue.
Although this is part of a series the author has ensured it can easily be read as a stand alone. I thoroughly recommend you read the whole series, you won't be disappointed!!
A great police procedural with just the right amount of tension, character development, cliff hangers & intrigue.
Although this is part of a series the author has ensured it can easily be read as a stand alone. I thoroughly recommend you read the whole series, you won't be disappointed!!
November 19, 2024
Circling back to say I usually like books in this series and didn't care for this one as much. Maybe I will consider reading it again in future when I am not burdened with a good deal of stress.
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August 26, 2024
The Vanishing by Alex Scarrow is book 11 in the DCI Boyd series. Audrey Hincher has vanished, seemingly into thin air. Okeke is concerned about her and feels she is vulnerable. She convinces Boyd to kick start the investigation early. Finding evidence and motive is proving very difficult. Alex is very good at building up your expectations as to the prime suspect and leading you in a particular direction for you to then realise, that’s not right. And so it goes, up and down. I love the humour throughout, particularly where Ozzie, Boyd’s dog, is concerned. Okeki is also very concerned about Jay, her partner, who has seemingly disappeared on a job. Has he landed himself in trouble. I love this series and this is a great addition. And what a clever ending.
August 27, 2024
DCI Bill Boyd is back at work after his recovery from cancer. DS Okeke is worring about her partner Jay who seems to have gone totally no contact with her and his brother. Then she comes across another missing person in the course of her work. A woman who is , quite possibly, the victim of violent domestic abuse, left work at lunchtime to get something to eat and run a couple errands. She appears to have disappeared off the face of the earth. Investigations, and a race against time follow. Jay,though, is still awol. Another great read from Alex Scarrow. A cliffhanger for us to contemplate until the next one.thanks, once again to Alex for the ARC.
September 22, 2024
Another Corker
Another amazing roller coaster read from Alex Scarrow. Love this series. Did not see that ending coming but so thrilled with the ending.
Can't wait for Book 12.
Another amazing roller coaster read from Alex Scarrow. Love this series. Did not see that ending coming but so thrilled with the ending.
Can't wait for Book 12.
September 12, 2024
Great to be back with Boyd and the gang in a slightly different story to usual. A missing woman, how has she disappeared? Where has she gone? A trail of solid detective work eventually uncovers the answers and wraps it all up satisfyingly but takes us through a lot of red herrings first. Nice to get to know a few more of the team too. Big question at the end is surely leading us to the next book!
September 8, 2024
I discovered this brilliant series a couple of years ago , and as a one time resident of Hastings where the main character DCI Boyd is stationed, was interested in the various very real places that Alex Scarrow writes about in this series.
The stories are always original and I loved this new one, missing woman, abusive husband, pervy step son, it is obvious....until it is not.The delightful twist in this tale is fantastic.
The characters Scarrow has peopled this series with all reappear, and in fact this is a cosy crime novel, apart from the AI porn!
I love this series and number 11 is Mr Scarrow at the top of his game.
A great read.
The stories are always original and I loved this new one, missing woman, abusive husband, pervy step son, it is obvious....until it is not.The delightful twist in this tale is fantastic.
The characters Scarrow has peopled this series with all reappear, and in fact this is a cosy crime novel, apart from the AI porn!
I love this series and number 11 is Mr Scarrow at the top of his game.
A great read.
September 7, 2024
Fantastic story
A very enjoyable read. Boyd is such a likeable character and very believable, I enjoy the story and enjoyed finding out where he is what th his cancer treatment. Look forward to the next book and hopefully his continued improvement in his health ( and of course Alex's)
A very enjoyable read. Boyd is such a likeable character and very believable, I enjoy the story and enjoyed finding out where he is what th his cancer treatment. Look forward to the next book and hopefully his continued improvement in his health ( and of course Alex's)
September 8, 2024
Love it
Boyd and His Team are Back . A Great Series that is easy to read with good Characters and a Great and Different story line . It doesn't always have to be about blood and gore
Boyd and His Team are Back . A Great Series that is easy to read with good Characters and a Great and Different story line . It doesn't always have to be about blood and gore
September 5, 2024
Surprises Galore!
The book about a missing woman. Or is she? The team is looking into a missing woman case. But they discover that there’s more to the story. It could be a murder case. I enjoyed how the team worked this case. And that ending! I look forward to the next book. Beth P.
The book about a missing woman. Or is she? The team is looking into a missing woman case. But they discover that there’s more to the story. It could be a murder case. I enjoyed how the team worked this case. And that ending! I look forward to the next book. Beth P.
September 5, 2024
Without giving plot details away, I liked how this book was a departure from a lot of the crime fiction I’ve been reading lately.
October 14, 2024
DS Samantha Okeke is worried about her boyfriend Jay who, in some kind of attempt to reevaluate and prove himself to her, has taken a very dodgy sounding PI job in the USA. Cash in hand, and a lot of it too, with no work visa, and now she hasn’t heard from him in a while. DCI William Boyd too is taking stock, after three years of gruelling cases since his move to Hastings and is now back to work after six months of successful cancer treatment. Operation Rosper is now officially disbanded, after the shock events of the last story, Flack is dead and DC O’Neal faces years in jail. There’s no rest though as a report of a missing woman comes in to East Sussex CID, a middle-aged lady with a controlling abusive husband, a hateful stepson and no real life of her own apart from her dull office job from which she simply vanished off the street during her lunch break. Nothing really points to anything sinister about her disappearance but as Okeke and DC Yates dig a little deeper, the DS starts to have concerns. Soon there are rumours about the husband’s former partner and what became of her, and the investigation is expanded, bringing in the rest of the team, DI Steven Minter and DCs Eddie Warren and Ravindra Rajan. Soon they are looking for a body with some very disturbing suspects involved but will the team find any of these missing people dead or alive?
This is a terrific series, one I have had the pleasure of reading right from day one, and each new story is fresh and different whilst continuing the history of the characters. Boyd’s home life is a happy one now, with his partner Charlotte, daughter Emma and new granddaughter Margot (Maggie), and spaniels Ozzie and Mia. It’s great to see he has made it through the treatment and back doing what he does best. There is a much slower pace to this story, with a lot less by way of grisly murders and action, as the detectives investigate controlling behaviour and domestic violence. With Okeke given the lead on the case initially, it’s a nice way for Boyd to ease himself back into work after his time off and the younger members of the team get a chance to show their worth. There are some surprises along the way and I loved the ending which finished with a little teaser for what’s to come in book 12, The Fool.
This is a terrific series, one I have had the pleasure of reading right from day one, and each new story is fresh and different whilst continuing the history of the characters. Boyd’s home life is a happy one now, with his partner Charlotte, daughter Emma and new granddaughter Margot (Maggie), and spaniels Ozzie and Mia. It’s great to see he has made it through the treatment and back doing what he does best. There is a much slower pace to this story, with a lot less by way of grisly murders and action, as the detectives investigate controlling behaviour and domestic violence. With Okeke given the lead on the case initially, it’s a nice way for Boyd to ease himself back into work after his time off and the younger members of the team get a chance to show their worth. There are some surprises along the way and I loved the ending which finished with a little teaser for what’s to come in book 12, The Fool.
September 1, 2024
DCI Boyd Crime Series book 11 and I think my favourite of the series. At the end of the last book Okeke’s partner Jay had left her to work in America and Boyd was returning to work after his cancer treatment. I love the team that work with Boyd but also his support network at home, including Ozzie and Mia of course. So well written and with an excellent plot that had me fooled.
Briefly, Audrey Hincher popped out of the office in her lunch hour to do some errands for her husband and 23 year old stepson but she never returned and the following day her mother reported her missing. The more the team investigate the more they become concerned about Audrey’s wellbeing. Her husband is clearly abusive and her stepson appears to hate her.
This is a really good police procedural. I enjoyed the fact that, unlike most crime books, it doesn’t start with a body, in fact it’s hard to decide whether Audrey has run away or whether there has been a murder committed. I was very surprised by the outcome of this story, in a good way, but there is also a shocking cliffhanger right at the end. Wow!
Briefly, Audrey Hincher popped out of the office in her lunch hour to do some errands for her husband and 23 year old stepson but she never returned and the following day her mother reported her missing. The more the team investigate the more they become concerned about Audrey’s wellbeing. Her husband is clearly abusive and her stepson appears to hate her.
This is a really good police procedural. I enjoyed the fact that, unlike most crime books, it doesn’t start with a body, in fact it’s hard to decide whether Audrey has run away or whether there has been a murder committed. I was very surprised by the outcome of this story, in a good way, but there is also a shocking cliffhanger right at the end. Wow!
August 27, 2024
How did we get to book 11 in this DCI Boyd ever improving series? Every one has been a fantastic read, with clever writing, intriguing plotting and excellent, developing characterisation. I love Okeke and not forgetting ozzie the dog! This latest episode finds the team investigating the sudden, unexpected disappearance of a local woman. I love the touches of humour throughout and there is plenty of tension which kept me engrossed until the unexpected ending. I can't wait to read the next in the series to find out more of Jay and his exploits! I highly recommend the series. Thanks to the author for my ARC copy.
September 1, 2024
4⭐️
Book 11
The team are back in action with what initially looks like a suspicious missing person enquiry.
This is a series where I feel invested in the team and Boyd’s family. I’m missing Jay I hope that he returns and doesn’t end up in a US jail or worse Guatanamno bay!
I like that Boyd is trying to introduce what he calls preventative policing, I feel that he is a good guy trying to do the right thing.
I enjoy it when the chapters end on mini cliffhangers as it adds to the suspense.
This book has quite a feel good vibe, it’s a straightforward plot, I’d prefer it to have more complexity, it’s quite character driven.
The ending sets up the next book and is full of intrigue.
Book 11
The team are back in action with what initially looks like a suspicious missing person enquiry.
This is a series where I feel invested in the team and Boyd’s family. I’m missing Jay I hope that he returns and doesn’t end up in a US jail or worse Guatanamno bay!
I like that Boyd is trying to introduce what he calls preventative policing, I feel that he is a good guy trying to do the right thing.
I enjoy it when the chapters end on mini cliffhangers as it adds to the suspense.
This book has quite a feel good vibe, it’s a straightforward plot, I’d prefer it to have more complexity, it’s quite character driven.
The ending sets up the next book and is full of intrigue.
September 2, 2024
Another cracker from Alex Scarrow and how great is it to have Boyd back in action. I have followed Boyd since the first book and now being on book 11 it just keeps getting better. All the books are great at keeping the reader really invested in the characters, they have strong minds, great personality and humor throughout. This book had me in two minds at the end, wanting to know more about Jay and a content feeling from the round up of the teams latest case.
If I could only recommend one series to sink your teeth into, then it would be this. If you love crime and police procedurals then please trust me and start with book 1!
If I could only recommend one series to sink your teeth into, then it would be this. If you love crime and police procedurals then please trust me and start with book 1!
August 29, 2024
Just when you think the Boyd series can’t get any better Alex pulls this out of the bag!
Boyd is back to work after his cancer treatment and gets involved in a missing person case which is causing some consternation. It feels like you are part of the family with the familiar team and relationships around him. He is loving his granddaughter and my only question - is he getting soft in his old age?
Absolutely superb and I definitely recommend it.
I was given an ARC in exchange for a review but all views expressed are my own.
Boyd is back to work after his cancer treatment and gets involved in a missing person case which is causing some consternation. It feels like you are part of the family with the familiar team and relationships around him. He is loving his granddaughter and my only question - is he getting soft in his old age?
Absolutely superb and I definitely recommend it.
I was given an ARC in exchange for a review but all views expressed are my own.
September 9, 2024
Another exciting story from Alex Scarrow in a series that never lets me down. A woman vanishes. She has an abusive husband. Her stepson despises her. Boyd and his team have reason to suspect murder. The case pans out with discovery after discovery leading to an ending I didn't expect. And there's definitely something going on with Okeke's partner, Jay. A hugely enjoyable read.
October 6, 2024
definitely a Good Read!
A very nicely woven-hard to guess plot. I admit that it had me fooled several times and I never got the “who dunit” part right. The characters were tightly portrayed and I could ‘see’ each one clearly- this is important because it’s different to write this review without giving it away. So just enjoy the read/ it’s a good one.
A very nicely woven-hard to guess plot. I admit that it had me fooled several times and I never got the “who dunit” part right. The characters were tightly portrayed and I could ‘see’ each one clearly- this is important because it’s different to write this review without giving it away. So just enjoy the read/ it’s a good one.
October 11, 2024
A nice story for these hard times
It's nice to think that someone can escape for once and be happy.
And of course the ending keeps us in suspense and eagerly awaiting the next book. Can't wait!
I love getting lost in the stories, away from reality
Love this author...I can't tell enough people about him and his books.
It's nice to think that someone can escape for once and be happy.
And of course the ending keeps us in suspense and eagerly awaiting the next book. Can't wait!
I love getting lost in the stories, away from reality
Love this author...I can't tell enough people about him and his books.
July 16, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyable and a happy ending!
The return of Boyd is a good thing. He's over viewing a case with Okeke and things all point one way but it takes a great twist at the end. Boyd makes the decision you would love him to make but weren't sure he would do. A rare happy ending....until Okeke gets a call from Jay....
The return of Boyd is a good thing. He's over viewing a case with Okeke and things all point one way but it takes a great twist at the end. Boyd makes the decision you would love him to make but weren't sure he would do. A rare happy ending....until Okeke gets a call from Jay....
August 29, 2024
As usual another brilliant DCI Boyd book. This one is slightly different to the others, but just and in lots of ways even better the the previous ones in the series. Looking forward to seeing what trouble Jay is in, in the next installment.!!
September 7, 2024
Another Winner
I couldn’t put it down. It was great to spend time with Boyd, Okeke and the team as well as Charlotte and Ozzy. Like being with friends. The story was fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. Can’t wait for the next installment.
I couldn’t put it down. It was great to spend time with Boyd, Okeke and the team as well as Charlotte and Ozzy. Like being with friends. The story was fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. Can’t wait for the next installment.
October 9, 2024
DCI Boyd and his team are as entertaining as ever in the South of England. Scarrow knows how to write a compelling crime novel/mystery with believable characters, old and new. It's always a pleasure to visit DCI Boyd and Hastings.
November 23, 2024
Enjoyable!
A fun book to read. A little unreal but still very enjoyable. It always good when the good guys win and the jerks get exactly what they have earned by their use of others. Book was most enjoyable with a great ending.
A fun book to read. A little unreal but still very enjoyable. It always good when the good guys win and the jerks get exactly what they have earned by their use of others. Book was most enjoyable with a great ending.
December 8, 2024
Jumped back into this series as I'm almost caught up with them all....this one I was glad with Boyd's decisions. Not as dramatic but definitely 2024 issues. Can't wait to see whats up next for Sam.
January 21, 2025
In comparison with the usual brutal murders and assorted other violence we get in this series, this one feels almost lighthearted - not that that's a complaint. Thoroughly enjoyed the ending. Now if only I didn't have to wait for the next one to be released...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews