The Replacement

DS Liam Kilshaw #2

by Matt Brolly

A body on the beach. A myth come to life. And a killer who won’t stop…

When a mutilated body washes up on Sennen Beach, DS Liam Kilshaw is plunged into a case as dark and unforgiving as the Cornish winter. With the victim’s face so severely disfigured that identification is impossible, whispers of a local superstition begin to surface—the killing bears a chilling resemblance to the legend of Bucca Dhu, a vengeful sea demon said to demand human sacrifice.

But myths don’t murder people. When a second body is discovered just above the high-tide line, Kilshaw knows he’s racing against time. A missing crew member, a lost shipping container and a trail of cryptic clues all point to something far more sinister.

In a place where folklore and reality blur, Kilshaw must uncover the truth—before the killer strikes again.

Genres: Mystery, Procedural, British Literature, Thriller

297 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 10, 2026

About the author

Matt Brolly is the Amazon number one bestselling author of the DI Blackwell novels set in Weston-supper-Mare, as well as the DCI Lambert crime novels, the acclaimed near future crime novel, Zero, and the US thriller, The Controller.

Matt also writes children's books as M.J. Brolly. His first children's book, The Sleeping Bug, was released by Oblong Books in December 2018.

Matt lives in London with his wife and their young children. You can find out more about Matt at his website www.mattbrolly.com or by following him on twitter: @MattBrollyUK


Matt Brolly books in order:

DI Blackwell:

The Crossing (Feb 2020)
The Descent (July 2020)
The Gorge (March 2021)
The Mark (out November 2021)

DCI Lambert Series

Dead Water (prequel released August 2019)
Dead Eyed
Dead Lucky
Dead Embers
Dead Time

Other books

Zero
The Controller

For children (as M.J. Brolly)

The Sleeping Bug

Reviews

[Linden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liam gets a call about a horrifying new crime. Someone has found a body on the beach, trapped in a bag and horribly mutilated. Someone is luring young men into a trap and murdering them in this disturbing way. There are concurrent chapters in which we are given insight into the insane perpetrator. Then there is another identical death, and the team is racing against the clock to prevent another grisly murder. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this exciting British police procedural

[Lady MacDeath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book which I have read by Matt Brolly, and Book 2 in the DS Liam Kilshaw series, and I must admit, he’s becoming a huge favourite of mine. I didn’t read a synopsis before opening the book, I just saw the title and author, and immediately had to read it.

A body sealed in a hessian bag washes up on Sennen Beach, with horrific injuries to his face, and it’s not long before there are reports of young men going missing in the surrounding areas in Cornwall. They all have the same thing in common, they all resemble each other…dark haired, handsome, and in their twenties. When a second body is discovered, with the exact same facial disfigurement, sealed in a hessian bag, DS Liam Kilshaw, races against time to find the killer, before another body is found.

This is another gripping, page turner, which also contains some Cornish folklore, which I was excited to read, as I do love the “old ways”, and the tales, which are believed by some throughout the towns, all over the world.

Thanks to the author Matt Brolly, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review

4 ⭐️

Available: 10th February 2026

[Shereadbookblog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second installment in the DS Liam Kelshaw series. While I did read the first book, I believe this could be enjoyed as a standalone novel, although there are numerous references to the previous story. Liam is a divorced former Marine suffering from PTSD stemming from a near-drowning incident during his service.

A maimed body encased in a hessian bag washes up on the Cornish Coast and Matt and his team are on a race to discover the culprit and stop any more killings. Could it be, as someone suggests, related to an ancient legend of giving sacrifice to Bucca Dhu, a water spirit with the power to generate storms?

Brolly weaves a captivating blend of myth and psychopathy in this gritty, fast-paced, and suspenseful read. Set during the unforgiving winter in Cornwall, the atmosphere is palpable. His vivid descriptions of the snow and cold evoke a strong desire for a blanket! Liam is an interesting character, and I particularly like the working dynamic between him and his boss, Maya.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @amazonpublishing #thomasandmercer for the DRC.

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was thrilled to read The Replacement by Matt Brolly. It features Detective Sergeant Liam Kilshaw. Set in and around Bodmin in Cornwall, England, this police procedural and crime novel is a great addition to the series.

A mutilated body washes up on Sennen Beach and Liam arrives to start the investigation during a dark and cold winter. The victim’s face is severely disfigured making identification difficult and the killing bears a resemblance to a folklore legend. However, myths don’t murder people. Clues point to a race against time when a second body is found.

Liam is a former marine and Special Boat Service member who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder after his breathing apparatus failed and he nearly drowned on a mission. However, he is doing better than he was. He had always loved the water and is volunteering with the local lifeboat team as a type of immersion therapy to help himself (along with his breathing techniques). He tends to keep people at arm’s length, but is working on that. He cares about others and enjoys a decent relationship with his ex-wife and son. He’s also relentless in his pursuit of those who prey on those who are vulnerable and immerses himself in the cases. However, this causes him a work-personal life balance issue.

Once again, the author starts the story with a chilling prologue that immediately grabs a reader’s attention, but readers don’t quite know how it pertains to the current timeline. Throughout most of the story, there is a sense of urgency as the investigators try to make sense of what has happened and what may happen. While the story ensnared me from the beginning and the ending was action-packed, the middle is solid police work, but slower paced.

Told from the alternating perspectives of Liam and one other person, it will keep readers fully engaged. There are several twists and turns giving readers the opportunity to test their investigative skills as the police search for answers, including motives, relationships, and who is behind the crimes. The author also does a great job of creating atmosphere that makes it easy to feel like you’re with Liam hunting for answers. Secrets, folklore, murder, isolation, and relationships co-exist in this disturbing storyline.

Overall, this was a gripping, gritty, and chilling story with complex characters. This atmospheric thriller has a strong sense of place and a terrific cast of characters. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Those who enjoy police procedurals, this author, and British crime dramas will likely enjoy this series.

Amazon Publishing UK – Thomas and Mercer and Matt Brolly provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for February 10, 2026.
---------------------------
My 4.2 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Replacement by Matt Brolly is a highly recommended procedural and the second book in the Detective Sergeant Liam Kilshaw series following The Lines. It can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. Kilshaw, a former Marine, is a intuitive investigator who also suffers from PTSD and has alopecia.

When a body in a hessian bag (burlap for US readers) washes up on Sennen Beach in Cornwall, DS Kilshaw is called out to investigate. The face of the man in the bag is so mutilated identification is almost impossible. Kilshaw takes note when a local man brings up the legend of Bucca Dhu, a sea monster who demands human sacrifice, but clearly this is the result of human depravity. When a second man's body is found on the shore also in a burlap bag with the face beaten beyond recognition, it is clear that a serial killer is at work. Kilshaw must use all his skills to find the perpetrator before another body is found.

The opening prologue will immediately attention grabbing and also provides the reader a brief glimpse into what may be related to what is currently happening. Set during the winter in Cornwall, the atmosphere in the novel is literally chilling in words and deeds. The narrative unfolds through the point-of-view of Kilshaw and another person, who's viewpoint will keep your attention focused even when the investigation slows the pace down in the middle of the plot. The anticipation over what may happen next is ever present in this even-paced procedural and there are several twists along the way. The ending is, as expected, action packed.

Kilshaw's character development continues in this second novel as he works on his interpersonal relationships, a skill with which he struggles. He is portrayed as a realistic, complicated individual with strengths and weaknesses. He has a good relationship with his boss, Maya, his ex-wife and tries to makes sure to see his son George. Additionally, thank you Matt for making sure the dog was okay, which may be a spoiler for some but other readers will want to know this.

The Replacement is a great choice for those who enjoy British procedurals and investigations set by the sea. Matt Brolly is always a dependable author who writes compelling stories. Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...

[Roroblu'sMum · Rating 4 out of 5]

4* Another good story, but when oh when will Liam make his life more meaningful, real? Will he make his father's mistakes?

Book 2 in this very good police procedural series can be read as a standalone. There's enough mention of Liam's past in drips and drabs to clue new readers in. It picks up shortly after the scary ending (for the almost-girlfriend, his son George's teacher, whose name I've forgotten just minutes after she appears in the penultimate chapter) with Liam giving her space.

It's quite clear that Liam's heart sort if thinks it lies elsewhere, in his past, which as this book ends, might also end up lying in book 3 - I'm hoping the 'lying' doesn't turn out to mean bad decisions lying. I hope he treads with caution as there's something about Grace that raised red flags in book 1, and here, the police professional body feel the same, although by the end of the book, she's back in favour. And far more local. Liam isn't entirely using his big head where she's concerned, buying a burner phone to contact her whilst the professional investigation is ongoing and whilst he's still being questioned. I'm not sure he's capable of long-lasting feelings or a relationship. His head's far too much in his past with his parents' mistakes, but he's not that far off the., putting work first, disappointing his son and rightly irritating his ex.

The storyline is freaky but you don't see the baddies until right at the very end, other than the glimpses in the prologue. The book should've featured them a bit more given the unique premise and twisted mindsets of more than one generation. How social services didn't pick up on things requires a bit of suspension of disbelief.

Still, it's a decent read, though emotionless.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for my reading pleasure.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love British detective stories, so I'm always glad when I find one. This is the second book in the DS Kilshaw series, but you don’t have to read the first to enjoy this one. The author puts in plenty of references to first book that help you understand Liam Kilshaw.

The story starts with a creepy situation where a girl is having her doll sewn up in a “hessian” bag - I didn’t know what this was so I found out it’s a “strong coarse bag made of jute or burlap.” Apparently, the fabric was used to make uniforms for the soldiers of the State of Hesse in prewar Germany - hence “hessian.” By sewing up the doll she will be forever enshrined as she was that day. From there the story switches to Liam who’s taking over a case of missing men when a mutilated body of one shows up in a hessian bag. I will say Liam and his fellow officers are dedicated as they find clues - not a lot of red herrings here, just good procedural stuff. If you want to know more, you’ll have to read the book. It will be worth it.

The book is nicely written. Liam’s a well developed character — I liked him and sense that more books are coming. The book is also paced nicely. I enjoyed the book; it’s a good mystery.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for allowing me to read this book.
#therreplacement
#mattbrilloy
#thomasandmercer

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mutilated body on a Cornish beach. A whisper of ancient superstition. And a detective chasing shadows through winter’s gloom.

Matt Brolly’s The Replacement is a moody, myth-tinged thriller that blends folklore with forensic grit. DS Liam Kilshaw returns in a case that’s as chilling as the sea wind off Sennen Beach. With echoes of Bucca Dhu—the vengeful sea demon said to haunt the coast—this story dances between legend and reality, never quite letting you settle.

Kilshaw is a compelling lead: sharp, haunted, and quietly relentless. As the clues twist through missing crewmen and cryptic symbols, Brolly’s prose remains taut and evocative, painting Cornwall in shades of grey and dread. The pacing is brisk, the atmosphere immersive, and the mystery satisfyingly layered.

Perfect for fans of coastal noir and folklore-infused crime fiction, this is a tale that lingers like sea mist—unsettling, beautiful, and hard to shake.

With thanks to Matt Brolly, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time to revisit DS Liam Kilshaw for his second novel, “The Replacement”. I loved the first novel, “The Lines” and could not wait to see how the characters would continue to grow. I had no clue we were in for a second book so soon.

Matt Brolly does not disappoint with this atmospheric novel.

A body is found (in what amounts to a potato sack) with much abuse from the water and in general. So much abuse, they can’t tell who it is. DS Kilshaw and his team begin the investigation to see who the deceased is. As this goes on, another body appears.

Between the investigation and personal issues, life begins to pile on DS Kilshaw. The question is, will he finally crack the case, or crack himself.

I have become a big fan of this series and am hoping for a 3rd novel soon. My only complaint is there are a few times it just felt a bit repetitive. Near perfect novel. It was so good, I went through it in one day.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

4.5 stars out of 5 stars

[Helen Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! This starts at a running pace and just gets faster, along with my heart rate. There are mysterious deaths which are seeped in some kind of tradition and folk lore which adds to the fabulously dark atmosphere and the terror.
The myth and legend aspect and the descriptions of the rich Cornish backdrop and wild weather match the tone of the story perfectly and propel you headlong through the story. There is a real sense of locals drawing in and family secrets kept because of deep loyalties and tradition along with a suitable amount of gore and impeding doom! The forensics and modern police procedural context both clash with and complement the myth and legend statuses perfectly.
I loved the detective characters who, like most good stories, had their own backstories and complications and very human elements themselves, I also loved the dog and his part in the proceedings. Nice touch.
A fantastic author and I always know I’m in for a treat. Original and engaging, thank you.

[Nicola Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Next instalment in DS Liam Kilshaw series and he is still struggling with the after effects of the previous case and his PTSD from his time in the SBS. The previous case is referred to a lot in the beginning of the book, so I don't think this would work as a standalone or out of sequence.
It is creepy and sinister as you'd expect from a Matt Brolly book, with some chapters told from the point of view of an abducted man. Liam even suspects local folklore is in play in this one when bodies start turning up sealed in hessian sacks, and thinks they could be a sacrifice of sorts.
I found it hard to put down as I wanted to know the why!
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid British police procedural set in Cornwall, and overall I enjoyed it.

I hadn’t read the first book in the series, and while this can be read as a standalone, I did occasionally feel like I was missing a bit of context or history. Nothing that completely derailed the story, but enough that I'd recommend reading book one first.

The pacing was good and kept things moving, and the procedural elements felt familiar in a comforting way. My main hang-up is plausibility: these are pretty small communities, and it stretched my suspension of disbelief that things could get quite that out of hand for so long without the killer being caught.

Still, it held my attention, and I finished it without feeling bogged down. I may check out Brolly’s other work.

[Michelle Wileman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great 2nd book in the new series. Thrilling, absorbing and quite disturbing in places. The characters are well formed and believable and the author has a good hold on writing about mental health issues. A couple of unexpected twists and turns which keep you romping through the story eager for more and the inevitable “who done it”

A definite recommendation although I’m deducting one star as the constant reference to the previous book got a bit tedious in places. Definitely not necessary to read the previous book however I felt it was a slightly better story so 5* for that one!

[Martha Brindley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good read, book 2 in the DS Liam Kilshaw series and filled with suspense and Cornish folklore. I really like Liam's character, although he is still struggling with PTSD and his love life is a bit erratic! The plotting is very good, as is the setting which is beautifully described and very atmospheric. The fast pace, with the many twists, keeps you guessing right to the end. This can be read as a stand alone but I would advise reading the first in the series which is also a very good read filled with excitement. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[Simon Alphonso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book in a new series based in Cornwall about police work in a rural setting. Matt Brolly anchors his characters in the location and builds his story around the roads and villages in the area.

The story itself is well written, has a good level of suspense and intrigue with strong personalities being developed further from book one.

I like Matt Brolly’s different series and this one is shaping up to be just as enjoyable as the others already out there.

A worthy addition to the bookshelf.

[Karen McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the DS Liam Kilshaw series and is set in Cornwall. A body is washed up on the beach at Sennen which reminds people of the superstitious story of Bucca Dhu. When another body appears Kilshaw realises time is running out if they don’t solve the case before any more bodies appear. The novel is fast paced with lots of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing to the end. A gripping series and I am already looking forward to the next book.

[KDRBCK · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Replacement by Matt Brolly published by Thomas & Mercer is the second book in the DS Liam Kilshaw Series. The previous book is The Lines, a story that I very much enjoyed. So I was giddy to get my hands on this scond book that easily can be read as a stand alone.
The newest case leads DS Liam K to a coast where young men become targets and susperstition makes his work difficult.
A nailbiting read, I loved his first book, but I like this second one too, 4 stars.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great follow up book this was to read, although you can easily read this book very much as a standalone. A great storyline that initially you wonder where it is going but then things come together and it all starts to make sense and it becomes a lot more gripping too! A great main character and good supporting police characters too and I hope that there is more books to come about this character. Definitely a book to highly recommend!

[Hannelore Cheney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publising UK for the eARC.
This book made me very uneasy; the drowning theme (one of my phobias) was triggering and the killers were super creepy. I ended up skipping parts until the end.
I loved his Louise Blackwell series, but don't think I'll read anymore of this series. Sorry!

[Willie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Number two in the series. A good entertaining story. At time it felt like two completely different strands but all came together in the end. A lot of references to Book one so makes sense to read them in order. It kept you on edge and guessing till the end and I look forward to the next instalment

[Barbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable mystery by the author. The title finally made sense 3/4 of the way into the book as the stories come together. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

Thanks for the ARC Netgalley.