Dead and Gone: A BRAND NEW gripping and utterly unputdownable Scottish crime thriller (Detective Fraser Brodie Book 2)

by Kerry Watts

One murder. Two bodies. A chilling island secret . . .

Detective Fraser Brodie is at a grisly crime scene on the Isle of Harris. Local aristocrat Lord Edward Devlin has been brutally murdered, his skull bashed in. The violent and bloody scene is all the more shocking for the fact that the victim was eighty.

As forensics comb for evidence they uncover a second body - but this crime is not recent. Why are these remains on the Devlin Estate, and are the two deaths somehow connected?

With the help of his team, DI Fraser Brodie must race to find the killer and solve a crime that threatens to tear apart this small community. But with his brother out of prison for urgent hospital tests, will he be able to unearth the secrets and lies that have cast such a long shadow over this rugged and beautiful isle?

The second instalment in this thrilling and atmospheric new crime thriller series set in the Scottish Isles - perfect for fans of J.M. Dalgliesh, Rachel McLean, Joy Ellis and J.D. Kirk.

Readers can't get enough of the second instalment in Kerry Watts' DI Fraser Brodie series, Dead and Gone!

'A Brilliant Second Outing for DI Brodie! The series absolutely hits its stride . . . The shock ending turned everything on its head and was tied up as neatly as an expensive gift wrapped box.' Reader review, 5 stars

'Fantastic book and series! This book had chilling suspense, gruesome murders, mystery, intrigue, fascinating characters, and a few jaw dropping twists!' Reader review, 5 stars

'An incredibly enjoyable, fast-paced, addictive, and twisty read . . . I absolutely love this series.' Reader review, 5 stars

'So good to get this 2nd book. Was really hoping there would be more. Fraser is such a good character . . . Great teamwork obviously and long may they continue.' Reader review, 5 stars

'Every bit as good a read as the previous one. I love the well developed characters and the island of Harris setting . . . a well written, well plotted and fast paced police procedural which I am sure fans of the genre will enjoy.' Reader review, 5 stars

'Another great read with lots of twists that kept me guessing. The characters were great and well developed especially Fraser, he is such a likeable character.' Reader review, 5 stars

'Engrossing, full of twists and turns, secrets and lies, and suspenseful. All I can say is that I never would have guessed the killer's identity, which came as a shock to me.' Reader review, 5 stars

Genres: Mystery

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2025

About the author

.Kerry Watts was born and grew up in a small town in the East of Scotland where she still lives today. She is always writing and carries a little notebook and pen with her wherever she goes because at her age ideas need to be captured before they disappear.
Kerry specialises in crime fiction because she enjoys pushing the boundaries of what it is to be human. The nature versus nurture debate fascinates her. She loves to put her characters in impossible situations just to see what happens. Her experience as a psychiatric nurse heavily influences her writing. She also wants to create characters that people can relate to who might be facing the same struggles as anyone else.
Authors who inspire her are anyone capable of creating a character who lives inside her head long after she has closed the book. Her favourite fictional character's are Dexter Morgan, created by Jeff Lindsay as well as Hannibal Lechter created by Thomas Harris. She doesn't have a favourite genre as a reader. Kerry will read anything. Written by anyone. If the blurb has a good feel about it she's hooked.
When she's not writing she loves to spend time following her other passions - dogs, particularly rescue mutts and horse racing. The sight of a thoroughbred race horse at full stretch has been known to move her to tears, not just lump in the throat stuff but full on blubbing. And for that she is unashamed. One day she's going to buy a racehorse filly and call her Into Darkness.
She also had a small role in a film called The Rocket Post but decided acting wasn't for her. She would rather create a character than play one.

Reviews

[Barbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second book in the series. So many people with motives and mysteries from the past. I was surprised by the killer, didn't see that one coming. I'll be looking forward to more books in this series.

Thanks for the ARC Netgalley!

[Lynsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Dead and Gone’ is the second book in the ‘DI Fraser Brodie’ series, and after enjoying the first book, I was looking forward to this one. I was not disappointed. You can read this book as a stand-alone story, but I recommend picking up the first one as well; you learn a lot about Fraser’s relationship with his twin brother, Adam. Plus, it is always good to get into a series from the start!

When the body of Lord Devlin is found by his elderly housekeeper, Brodie and the team head down to Harris to investigate. When a much older body is found in the rose garden, Brodie believes that they must be connected.

This story has all the echoes of the ‘big house’ mysteries from the golden age of crime writing, but with a modern slant. Lots of the characters had motives, and it proved entertaining to see them all unravel. Brodie is also having to deal with personal issues as well. His brother, Adam, is undergoing tests to see if he has cancer. It is such a unique relationship between the brothers— one a cop and the other a serial killer. It makes for an engaging read and also sets it apart from other police procedurals that are currently on the market.

I flew through this in a couple of sittings, and it was an enjoyable read. Let me know if you pick this one up!

[Bibliophile Foodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading Kerry Watts and also my introduction to the DI Fraser Brodie series, and I have to say I was impressed. Even though it’s the second book, I didn’t feel lost at all it worked perfectly as a standalone.

The story begins with the brutal murder of a local aristocrat on the Isle of Harris. What seems at first like a straightforward case quickly becomes more complicated when the remains of a child are discovered on the estate. From that point on, the investigation takes many unexpected turns, and I found myself constantly second-guessing who could be trusted and what the real motive might be.

I really liked how atmospheric the setting was. The descriptions of the island gave the book a moody, isolated feel that fit the mystery perfectly. The small community vibe added tension too, because it seemed like everyone had secrets.

Fraser Brodie is an interesting lead character. He’s methodical and determined, but what stood out most to me was the storyline involving his twin brother.

The ending was satisfying and tied everything together neatly, while still leaving me curious about what’s next for Brodie.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unpredictable: wading through secrets🌊

The murder mystery was good, but I felt the investigative team were flailing about a bit more than I liked. And I am not so enamoured of Fraser Brodie, the lead police detective. The storyline about him and his twin brother (which I liked) aside, I found him a bit cold (like, he has to periodically remind himself to give encouragement and praise to his team). And calling his junior team member The Boy? Plus, as an American reader, this overwhelming preoccupation with brewing pots and pots of tea just seemed OTT.

As to the numerous potential witnesses and suspects, they kept the suspense pretty taut. Who knew that such a small island community would harbor such a Peyton Place of scandal and secrets?! And the real clincher motive for the murder of the old lord? No way was it what I suspected. So, yes, a good, suspenseful and unpredictable plot.

Thanks to Embla Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Diane Elizabeth Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ A Brilliant Second Outing for DI Brodie! ⭐
​The series absolutely hits its stride with this second instalment, throwing the team into a brutal murder on the atmospheric Isle of Harris.
Don't worry if you haven't read the first book, it's easily read as a standalone.
The discovery of an elderly aristocrat's body quickly deepens into an even more complex mystery when a child's remains are unearthed on the estate.
​Kerry Watts expertly develops our characters with depth, and the setting is richly illustrated, making us have a picture of the Big House and estate with us at all times.
Brodie and his close-knit, intrepid team are wonderfully persistent, battling red herrings and false starts with determination.
The parallel narrative of Brodie navigating his complex, but always empathetic relationship with his twin brother adds an intriguing extra layer.
The shock ending turned everything on its head and was tied up as neatly as an expensive gift wrapped box of tea wrapped up in a bow.
I can't wait for the next one!
I received an early copy of this book and this is my own view.

[Jo Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having grown up on a small island myself, albeit considerably bigger than Harris, I’m drawn to novels set in small communities. I enjoyed how the characters’ lives were embroiled in others, in some cases for decades.

D.I. Brodie is an interesting character, with some complex relationships that he has to navigate while maintaining his professionalism. His team were well-rounded characters too, and I enjoyed their interactions with each other and the various suspects.

I admit to falling completely for the clues that led me in the wrong direction and loved the twist at the end, although I felt as if the perpetrator had personally let me down with their lies, since I had someone completely different in my mind for the murderer!

There’s a situation brewing in D.I. Brodie’s personal life that is going to cause challenges for him to hold things together and I’m invested in finding out how he handles it.

I’m giving this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and recommend it to anyone who enjoys the mysteries of Agatha Christie and the police procedurals of Peter James.

[AMY (cosycornishchapters) · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 BOOK TOUR REVIEW 📖

Authour: Kerry Watts
Publisher: @EmblaBooks
Tour: @LoveBooksTours

This is the second book in the Detective Brodie series and although I haven't read the first book in the series, I very much enjoyed this read. Dead & Gone is a fast paced crime thriller with complex characters and a character driven storyline. I loved being immersed in the scottish highlands and following a great team of investigators. The characters are well developed.

The story begins with the brutal murder of Lord Devlin, but as the genre typically goes.. nothing is quite as it seems and often people are not who they portray themselves to be. After investigstion another body is also discovered on the estate, one of a child. Are they connected? Who has the motive to kill? More than one person has motive to kill but who is the guilty party?

One of my favourite reads this year, and one that I'll continue to recommend.

Thank you to Embla Books, Love Books Tours and the author Kerry Watts for my space on this tour. ❤️

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead and gone is the second book in the DI Fraser Brodie series by author Kerry Watts.
DI Fraser has flown to the isle of Harris to attend a crime scene of murdered local aristocrat Lord Edward Devlin. It is a horrific crime scene due to the fact the Lord’s skull was bashed in.
While investigating the grounds they find a body of a child that has been there some time. Are both the deaths connected? DI Fraser has his work cut out. But first impressions that his daughter Bridget is the main suspect. But only time will tell when they find out the truth.
This is another great read with lots of twists that kept me guessing. The characters were great and well developed especially Fraser, he is such a likeable character, and he still cares for his brother Adam. I am curious to find out what his test results were. We shall have to wait and see in book 3. 5 stars from me.

[Dee Groocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Detective Fraser Brodie series, and it is as good as the first one.

On the Isle of Harris, Lord Devlin is found brutally murdered by his retired housekeeper, eighty-six-year-old, Bridget.

When Bridget is then assaulted, Brodie and the team need to up their game and find out who is responsible.

I have enjoyed this book, I love the working relationship between the team, they all crack on and do what’s needed.

The story is action-packed and kept me guessing. Some of the characters were relatable and some of them were not likeable at all.

I like how the author has a detective with a brother serving life in prison as he was a serial killer. This makes the stories even more interesting, especially as the brothers still have a relationship.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in this series, set on Harris in Scotland. DI Brody and his team have the murder of the aged local lord to solve. A lot of people are in line to benefit from his death, but there is more to this case and a few twists in the plot. Fraser Brody also has family issues . Perhaps, to fully understand these, it is better to have read the first book, but this book is OK as a stand alone.
It took me a while to engage with the plot/crimes here. Brody has his own ways of working, which also take some getting used to. I would have liked to read more about Carla and Ewan (the team) too. But towards the end the book became a real page turner and the plot really came together for me.
Thanks to Net Galley for a good read, I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Gordon Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in the DI Fraser Brodie series begins with the murder of a local aristocrat. Brodie and his team, based on the Isle of Harris, find a number of possible motives, with the Lord's cash strapped daughter an obvious subject. But does the crime relate to events long in the past rather than the present?

This is a good police procedural, with several twists to the investigation. The characters are well developed, particularly Brodie and his twin brother - a convicted serial killer, which adds a unique aspect to the novels.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good to get this 2nd book. Was really hoping there would be more.
Fraser is such a good character and he thinks of his brother a lot. No matter what he did he’ll be there for him. A medical dilemma now means he might have to a bit more than he thought.
On top of this there’s the day job, policing and solving cases. This one’s a tad gruesome after an older gent is found beaten badly and dead.
But in what we’re seeing as Frasers style it is dealt with thoroughly and methodically. Great teamwork obviously and long may they continue.

[Martha Brindley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second in the series featuring DI Fraser Brodie and every bit as good a read as the previous one. I love the well developed characters and the island of Harris setting, as Brodie investigates the murder of a local aristocrat. The descriptions are very good and there are quite a few twists as the investigation proceeds. It's a well written, well plotted and fast paced police procedural which I am sure fans of the genre will enjoy. I look forward to reading more from Brodie in the future. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[Christina Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone.
Set on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides Brodie is called in to a murder. A scottish lord has been bludgeoned to death in his home.
Brodie along with DS Carla McIntosh and DC Owen ‘The Boy’ Kelly start the investigation but it is much more complex than they first believed and the suspect list grows.
I found this a very good read and even shed a tear at one point.
I would recommend this book.

#NetGalley #EmblaBooks # DeadandGone #KerryWatts #DIFraserBrodie

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely recommend.

Dead and Gone by Kerry Watts.
A DI Brodie Fraser Crime Thriller book 2.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the cover and blurb of this book. The house by the sea by the cliffs edge. I signed up straight away for this tour. I got into this book straight away. I listened to it on Kindle unlimited. I did like Carla and Fraser and Owen. It took me a bit to get used to the writing style. Some words made me think. It certainly wasn't who I thought it was. I had 2 people who I thought it was. I was definitely wrong. I am looking forward to the next book.

[Emy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Fraser Brodie arrives at a shocking crime scene on the Isle of Harris, where local aristocrat Lord Edward Devlin, age eighty, has been brutally murdered. Forensics discover a second body linked to the estate, leaving Brodie and his team to uncover the truth behind the deaths all while dealing with personal challenges, including his brother's hospital issues.
A great mystery with plenty of twists to keep the reader engaged. The characters were well developed and I enjoyed the Harris setting, an island that loved to visit. Overall a great read.

[Tracy ann Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the series is an incredibly enjoyable, fast-paced, addictive, and twisty read. Brodie finds himself at the Devlin estate, where Lord Devlin has been discovered murdered in his study by the housekeeper. Brodie and his team must uncover the killer, but someone is determined to keep the truth hidden. On top of this, Brodie is grappling with personal worries about his brother. The case takes a darker turn when human remains are found in the garden. I absolutely love this series.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read in this DI Fraser Brodie. Set on the Isle of Harris, DI Fraser is tasked with investigating the death of a local aristocrat. Whilst the initial suspect seems to be his cash strapped daughter things are muddled when more remains are found and Fraser’s brother faces a medical emergency. Well developed characters and rich storylines make this an absorbing read for fans of tightly plotted police procedurals.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Edward Devlin is discovered by his elderly ex-housekeeper, he has been battered to death by his walking stick. DI Fraser Brodie and his team investigate. There are few clues and the only security camera appears to have been switched off, is it a burglary gone wrong or a family fallout. Then the bones of a young child are discovered in the garden, what has been going on?
A well written book I could hardly put down, my thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.

[Lisa reads alot Hamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the DI Fraser Brodie Crime Thrillers, I haven’t read book 1 but I will be going back to read it.
Brodie is a great character and this was a great mix of police procedural plus his own story and also his own life within a small community with its colourful characters.
A fast paced twisty story with loads of tension it really kept me hooked throughout with its cleverly woven plot.
Definitely an author I’ll be reading more from I can see there are other series too.
Great read

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not disappointed by this book and shall definitely look for the third in the series next year.
Brodie, Carla and Noel are called in when a dead body is found at a stately home.
Absolutely nothing is as expected.
Divorce, death, bankruptcy and affairs are all rife on the island.

[Carley Adair · Rating 2 out of 5]

this is the second in the series I am going to start the first later , the way it happened with libby with the second needing returned. this one just dragged a bit but the first one sounds really interesting.

[suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very predicable

Book good in parts very predictable other parts
Had feeling all way through old lady had something to do with it

[Sarah B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 The DI Fraser Brodie Thriller Series based in Scotland. DI Fraser Brodie and DS Carla McIntosh are to a gruesome scene, where Lord Edward Devlin has been found killed at his home on the Devlin Estate. Fraser, Carla and DC Owen Kelly are shocked when a second body is found on the estate. Who is it? How did they happen to be buried there? What happened? They begin interviewing probable suspects and witnesses to learn the truth behind the deaths. It was engrossing, full of twists and turns, secrets and lies, and suspenseful. All I can say is that I never would have guessed the killer's identity, which came as a shock to me.

[Christina Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone.
Set on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides Brodie is called in to a murder. A scottish lord has been bludgeoned to death in his home.
Brodie along with DS Carla McIntosh and DC Owen ‘The Boy’ Kelly start the investigation but it is much more complex than they first believed and the suspect list grows.
I found this a very good read and even shed a tear at one point.
I would recommend this book.

#NetGalley #EmblaBooks # DeadandGone #KerryWatts #DIFraserBrodie

[Mary Robitaille · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really hoped to enjoy Dead and Gone more, especially since I’ve loved Peter May’s books and was drawn in by the similar premise. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t connect with the characters, and the story never fully grabbed me. It wasn’t a bad read, but it didn’t leave much of an impression.

Thank you to NetGalley and Embla Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.