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DI Fraser Brodie #3
The Restless Bones
Don't miss the third instalment of the DI Fraser Brodie series as he and his team solve their next gripping case in the Scottish Isles!
The past won't stay buried. And neither will the truth.
When the body of retired racehorse trainer Jack McFarlane is discovered in his isolated bungalow, the scene offers few clues. No forced entry. No fingerprints. Just a dead man - and an empty bed where his sixteen-year-old daughter should be.
Samantha McFarlane is gone. Her phone abandoned. Her inhaler left behind.
As DI Fraser Brodie searches for a killer - and a girl whose life may be slipping away by the hour - he senses that this crime didn't begin that night. It began years ago, rooted in an old tragedy. And the killer is still waiting. Watching. Ready to finish what they started.
As he grapples with secrets of his own, can DI Brodie untangle a web of grief, vengeance and long-buried truths before Samantha becomes the next body in the peat?
Set in the Scottish isles and perfect for fans of Clare Mackintosh, Cara Hunter and Ann Cleeves, The Restless Bones is a haunting, tightly wound thriller where the past is never truly dead.
The past won't stay buried. And neither will the truth.
When the body of retired racehorse trainer Jack McFarlane is discovered in his isolated bungalow, the scene offers few clues. No forced entry. No fingerprints. Just a dead man - and an empty bed where his sixteen-year-old daughter should be.
Samantha McFarlane is gone. Her phone abandoned. Her inhaler left behind.
As DI Fraser Brodie searches for a killer - and a girl whose life may be slipping away by the hour - he senses that this crime didn't begin that night. It began years ago, rooted in an old tragedy. And the killer is still waiting. Watching. Ready to finish what they started.
As he grapples with secrets of his own, can DI Brodie untangle a web of grief, vengeance and long-buried truths before Samantha becomes the next body in the peat?
Set in the Scottish isles and perfect for fans of Clare Mackintosh, Cara Hunter and Ann Cleeves, The Restless Bones is a haunting, tightly wound thriller where the past is never truly dead.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2026
About the author
Kerry Watts
24 books95 followers.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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 10, 2026
Excellent follow on book.
Really enjoying reading about the twin brothers. Fraser and his extremely busy police work and great team. Involved in this awful murder and having to follow the clues to find the guilty person.
Adam moving prisons and his future in his hands.
I look forward to these coming so much.
Really enjoying reading about the twin brothers. Fraser and his extremely busy police work and great team. Involved in this awful murder and having to follow the clues to find the guilty person.
Adam moving prisons and his future in his hands.
I look forward to these coming so much.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Restless Bones is a wonderfully atmospheric and tightly wound crime thriller that pulls you straight into the rugged quiet of the Scottish Isles. From the moment Jack McFarlane is found dead in his remote bungalow — and his teenage daughter nowhere to be seen — the story settles into that perfect blend of urgency and unease.
DI Fraser Brodie is such a compelling lead here. He’s steady, thoughtful, and clearly carrying his own shadows, which makes his determination to find Samantha feel even more personal. The investigation moves at a pace that keeps you fully hooked: every clue feels like it matters, every silence feels loaded, and the landscape itself adds a haunting backdrop to the unfolding mystery.
What I loved most is how the book ties the present to an old tragedy. You can feel the past pressing in from the edges, shaping motives and twisting loyalties. It’s not just a race to find a missing girl — it’s a slow, gripping excavation of long‑buried truths that refuse to stay hidden. The tension builds beautifully as Brodie pieces together a web of grief, vengeance, and secrets that have been festering for years.
The atmosphere is rich, the stakes are high, and the final stretch is genuinely nail‑biting. It’s one of those crime novels where the emotional weight lands just as hard as the mystery itself.
A haunting, engaging addition to the series — and one that left me eager for whatever case Brodie tackles next.
With thanks to Kerry Watts, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
DI Fraser Brodie is such a compelling lead here. He’s steady, thoughtful, and clearly carrying his own shadows, which makes his determination to find Samantha feel even more personal. The investigation moves at a pace that keeps you fully hooked: every clue feels like it matters, every silence feels loaded, and the landscape itself adds a haunting backdrop to the unfolding mystery.
What I loved most is how the book ties the present to an old tragedy. You can feel the past pressing in from the edges, shaping motives and twisting loyalties. It’s not just a race to find a missing girl — it’s a slow, gripping excavation of long‑buried truths that refuse to stay hidden. The tension builds beautifully as Brodie pieces together a web of grief, vengeance, and secrets that have been festering for years.
The atmosphere is rich, the stakes are high, and the final stretch is genuinely nail‑biting. It’s one of those crime novels where the emotional weight lands just as hard as the mystery itself.
A haunting, engaging addition to the series — and one that left me eager for whatever case Brodie tackles next.
With thanks to Kerry Watts, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I was approached by the publisher to write a review of this book, I was a little apprehensive, as this is the third in the series, and I had not read the first two. I need not have worried, as I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
DI Fraser Brodie, together with his colleagues DS Carla McIntosh and DC Owen Kelly are called in to solve the murder of a racing stable owner, and the disappearance of his daughter.
DI Brodie is a real no nonsense detective. There is also an interesting back story of his twin brother currently in prison.
The book was very easy to read, and fast paced. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me interested. It seemed that everyone questioned by the police had something to hide. The story kept me guessing until the very end, and I did not work out “whodunnit”.
I am now keen to read the first two books in the series. This book is perfect for fans of Neil Lancaster and Peter May.
5 stars from me.
DI Fraser Brodie, together with his colleagues DS Carla McIntosh and DC Owen Kelly are called in to solve the murder of a racing stable owner, and the disappearance of his daughter.
DI Brodie is a real no nonsense detective. There is also an interesting back story of his twin brother currently in prison.
The book was very easy to read, and fast paced. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me interested. It seemed that everyone questioned by the police had something to hide. The story kept me guessing until the very end, and I did not work out “whodunnit”.
I am now keen to read the first two books in the series. This book is perfect for fans of Neil Lancaster and Peter May.
5 stars from me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an email from the publisher, Embla, offering me the opportunity to read The Restless Bones via NetGalley. When I discovered it was the third title in a series, I found the previous titles and read Bury Your Secrets (#1) and Dead and Gone (#2) prior to beginning The Restless Bones. I'm glad that I started at the beginning, because although a reader could probably enjoy The Restless Bones as a stand-alone title, having the background on the characters always makes a huge difference for me.
I think this series would appeal to readers of Ann Cleeves' Shetland series...set on fairly remote Scottish islands (in this case, the Inner Hebrides) with a primary character who has some very complex relationships, including in this case a twin brother imprisoned for murder. The supporting cast is engaging and there is a degree of character development from title to title in the series. The mysteries are complex enough, with enough red herrings, to be intriguing. I hope the series will continue! Happy to find a new series that I can recommend.
I think this series would appeal to readers of Ann Cleeves' Shetland series...set on fairly remote Scottish islands (in this case, the Inner Hebrides) with a primary character who has some very complex relationships, including in this case a twin brother imprisoned for murder. The supporting cast is engaging and there is a degree of character development from title to title in the series. The mysteries are complex enough, with enough red herrings, to be intriguing. I hope the series will continue! Happy to find a new series that I can recommend.
August 26, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I really enjoyed this one. The Scottish island setting worked brilliantly, giving the story a real sense of isolation and atmosphere. When Jack McFarlane is found murdered in his home and his teenage daughter Samantha has disappeared, DI Fraser Brodie and his team have a race against time to find her.
There are plenty of secrets and possible motives, with the investigation gradually uncovering links to a tragedy from years ago. I liked trying to work out how everything fitted together, and there were enough twists and red herrings to keep me guessing.
I’m also enjoying getting to know Fraser and his team, particularly the added storyline involving his twin brother Adam. It gives Fraser a bit more depth without taking away from the main investigation.
A fast-paced, atmospheric Scottish crime thriller with plenty of twists. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what Fraser Brodie gets involved in next.
I really enjoyed this one. The Scottish island setting worked brilliantly, giving the story a real sense of isolation and atmosphere. When Jack McFarlane is found murdered in his home and his teenage daughter Samantha has disappeared, DI Fraser Brodie and his team have a race against time to find her.
There are plenty of secrets and possible motives, with the investigation gradually uncovering links to a tragedy from years ago. I liked trying to work out how everything fitted together, and there were enough twists and red herrings to keep me guessing.
I’m also enjoying getting to know Fraser and his team, particularly the added storyline involving his twin brother Adam. It gives Fraser a bit more depth without taking away from the main investigation.
A fast-paced, atmospheric Scottish crime thriller with plenty of twists. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what Fraser Brodie gets involved in next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Terrific Scottish whodunnit🌊🚢
Loved this one and its totally unpredictable plot with so many characters who have to cope with tragic loss and devastated lives. I never suspected the actual culprit thanks to the excellent red herrings strewn through the investigation of death and disappearance on the remote Isle of Lewis in Scotland's Outer Hebrides islands, site of the ancient Callanish standing stones and some apparently fabulous, practically untouched beaches.
My one remaining question after all others were resolved: why does the house cleaner seem to have such a high standard of living? Also, I thought there was a bit of a plot hole about some of the security surveillance footage. Other than that, I was totally sold on the story.
Good writing, excellent plot and setting. I will have to look for more by this author.
Thanks to Embla Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Loved this one and its totally unpredictable plot with so many characters who have to cope with tragic loss and devastated lives. I never suspected the actual culprit thanks to the excellent red herrings strewn through the investigation of death and disappearance on the remote Isle of Lewis in Scotland's Outer Hebrides islands, site of the ancient Callanish standing stones and some apparently fabulous, practically untouched beaches.
My one remaining question after all others were resolved: why does the house cleaner seem to have such a high standard of living? Also, I thought there was a bit of a plot hole about some of the security surveillance footage. Other than that, I was totally sold on the story.
Good writing, excellent plot and setting. I will have to look for more by this author.
Thanks to Embla Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
August 30, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley.
Retired Jack McFarlane was a racehorse trainer. When he is found murdered, DI Fraser Brodie and his team are in a race against time to find Jack’s missing asthmatic sixteen-year-old daughter. With no phone, and also without her inhaler, time could be running out for Samantha.
DI Brodie soon realises that there is more to this case and the team have to look into the past to make sense of what is going on.
This is a thrilling read that kept me hooked. It was good to be back with Brodie and the team, and I enjoyed how well they work together to bring the story to its conclusion.
A good storyline and great characters made for a fascinating tale.
Retired Jack McFarlane was a racehorse trainer. When he is found murdered, DI Fraser Brodie and his team are in a race against time to find Jack’s missing asthmatic sixteen-year-old daughter. With no phone, and also without her inhaler, time could be running out for Samantha.
DI Brodie soon realises that there is more to this case and the team have to look into the past to make sense of what is going on.
This is a thrilling read that kept me hooked. It was good to be back with Brodie and the team, and I enjoyed how well they work together to bring the story to its conclusion.
A good storyline and great characters made for a fascinating tale.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A dead man, a missing teenager, and unexpected links to the past keep police inspector Fraser Brodie and his team guessing as they race to solve a case, trying to fit together apparently disparate pieces of the puzzle.
This is an intelligent and interesting read, featuring a compelling mystery that the reader will also enjoy puzzling over. The Scottish setting is atmospheric, a little creepy even, and the characters are well drawn.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
This is an intelligent and interesting read, featuring a compelling mystery that the reader will also enjoy puzzling over. The Scottish setting is atmospheric, a little creepy even, and the characters are well drawn.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was super excited to find this next installment in Kerry Watts' DI Fraser Brodie mystery series! This tale had lots of twists and turns that kept me up reading until the wee early morning hours. All of the clues were there - and yet I was still surprised at the end. This is the perfect read when you're in the mood for a good old police procedural with character who have some depth and continue to evolve.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Book 3 in the DI Brodie series is another excellent read. Set on the isle of Lewis, Fraser and his team are investigating a murder and the disappearance of a young girl. The book is very atmospheric, with good descriptions of the Outer Hebrides and the team dynamics are good. I Liked the many twists, the build up of suspense and I never worked out who the killer was, which is always a bonus! It's an easy 5* from me. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
DI Fraser Brodie gets the call about a murder at the McFarlane home, owners of the racing stables. The owner is dead, but the daughter is missing from the property, and they need to find her quickly as she’s asthmatic. Fraser Brodie and his team go around in circles with this case, as everyone seems to be a suspect. I love this series and can’t wait for the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First DI Brodie novel I've read and will certainly go back and read the first two. Similar to Dick Francis in that the murder victim is a racehorse trainer and has a racing theme running through the book. Interesting and tangled family connections for DI Brodie and his team to investigate.
Recommended for fans of Dick Francis, Peter May and Ann Cleeves.
Recommended for fans of Dick Francis, Peter May and Ann Cleeves.
August 5, 2026
Was really excited to see book 3 in the series was released and it didn’t disappoint. Lots of twists to try and work out and had me guessing where the story would go. Would recommend you read the first 2 in the series before this one, just to help bring it all together. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews