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Detective Tommy Kelly #2
The Driftwood Bones
A compromised homicide detective must confront his professional and personal risks when a woman is murdered on Nantucket Island in a gripping novel by the author of Cold Island.
Detective Tommy Kelly has been exiled to Nantucket as the island’s lone state trooper—punishment for professional misconduct that left him isolated, bitter, and relegated to traffic violations. For a homicide detective, there isn’t much to do in a place others call paradise. Until a young woman is found floating in the harbor in Pocomo.
The case forces Tommy to partner again with NPD detective Jo Harris, reopening wounds from their shared past and reminding him of everything he destroyed. Keeping things professional and by the book, they quickly identify the victim—a house cleaner—and close in on their prime suspect. But the investigation takes an unexpected turn. So does Tommy’s judgment when he reignites an affair with a married college acquaintance.
As Tommy and Jo follow an unexpected twist in the case, they discover that beneath Nantucket’s pristine beaches and old-money elegance, something dark is festering. And it’s about to surface.
Detective Tommy Kelly has been exiled to Nantucket as the island’s lone state trooper—punishment for professional misconduct that left him isolated, bitter, and relegated to traffic violations. For a homicide detective, there isn’t much to do in a place others call paradise. Until a young woman is found floating in the harbor in Pocomo.
The case forces Tommy to partner again with NPD detective Jo Harris, reopening wounds from their shared past and reminding him of everything he destroyed. Keeping things professional and by the book, they quickly identify the victim—a house cleaner—and close in on their prime suspect. But the investigation takes an unexpected turn. So does Tommy’s judgment when he reignites an affair with a married college acquaintance.
As Tommy and Jo follow an unexpected twist in the case, they discover that beneath Nantucket’s pristine beaches and old-money elegance, something dark is festering. And it’s about to surface.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2026
About the author
Peter Colt
19 books143 followersPeter Colt is currently a police officer in a small New England city where he has worked since 2007. He spent over twenty years in the Army reserve and was deployed to Kosovo in 2000, where he was attached to the Russian Army. He was deployed to Iraq in 2003 and again in 2008. He was fortunate to get to know many Vietnam vets and U.S. Army Special forces soldiers. He lived on Nantucket Island from 1973‑1986. He’s currently working on the next Andy Roark mystery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
June 23, 2026
What a treat to spend time with Detective Tommy Kelly and explore Nantucket's dark underbelly once again. Peter Colt has mastered the art of the police procedural, infusing a complex investigation with emotional suspense and island atmosphere. While both The Driftwood Bones and Colt's previous Cold Island work well as standalones, I can't stress enough how terrific they are when read together. If you like your beach reads gripping and gritty, look no further.
July 5, 2026
Ugh this book was hard to get through. It’s such a disappointment from the first one. Jo and Kelly’s banter was unbearable. Things were repeated so many times. Ugh
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Driftwood Bones is a gripping, character‑driven crime novel that turns Nantucket’s postcard beauty into something far more unsettling. Detective Tommy Kelly—once a respected homicide investigator, now exiled to the island as its lone state trooper—makes for a wonderfully flawed centre. Bitter, isolated, and quietly drowning in the consequences of his own misconduct, he’s the kind of protagonist whose shadows feel as compelling as the case he’s forced to confront.
When the body of a young woman is found floating in Pocomo Harbor, the quiet rhythm of Tommy’s punishment posting fractures. The investigation pulls him back into partnership with NPD detective Jo Harris, reopening old wounds and unspoken regrets between them. Their dynamic is tense, layered, and beautifully handled—two people trying to stay professional while navigating the wreckage of what they once were.
The mystery itself unfolds with a steady, atmospheric pull. What begins as a seemingly straightforward case—a murdered house cleaner, a clear suspect—quickly twists into something darker. Tommy’s judgment blurs as he slips into an affair with a married acquaintance, and the investigation reveals the rot beneath Nantucket’s polished surface: old‑money secrets, festering grudges, and a community skilled at hiding what it doesn’t want seen.
The island setting is used to brilliant effect. The pristine beaches, the quiet harbours, the elegant façades—they all contrast sharply with the corruption and violence simmering underneath. The sense of isolation mirrors Tommy’s own emotional landscape, making the final revelations feel both inevitable and devastating.
A tense, atmospheric crime drama with a flawed but deeply human lead, The Driftwood Bones blends mystery, character, and coastal noir into a compelling, slow‑burn story about guilt, redemption, and the truths that refuse to stay buried.
With thanks to Peter Colt, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
When the body of a young woman is found floating in Pocomo Harbor, the quiet rhythm of Tommy’s punishment posting fractures. The investigation pulls him back into partnership with NPD detective Jo Harris, reopening old wounds and unspoken regrets between them. Their dynamic is tense, layered, and beautifully handled—two people trying to stay professional while navigating the wreckage of what they once were.
The mystery itself unfolds with a steady, atmospheric pull. What begins as a seemingly straightforward case—a murdered house cleaner, a clear suspect—quickly twists into something darker. Tommy’s judgment blurs as he slips into an affair with a married acquaintance, and the investigation reveals the rot beneath Nantucket’s polished surface: old‑money secrets, festering grudges, and a community skilled at hiding what it doesn’t want seen.
The island setting is used to brilliant effect. The pristine beaches, the quiet harbours, the elegant façades—they all contrast sharply with the corruption and violence simmering underneath. The sense of isolation mirrors Tommy’s own emotional landscape, making the final revelations feel both inevitable and devastating.
A tense, atmospheric crime drama with a flawed but deeply human lead, The Driftwood Bones blends mystery, character, and coastal noir into a compelling, slow‑burn story about guilt, redemption, and the truths that refuse to stay buried.
With thanks to Peter Colt, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley & Thomas & Mercer for the ARC of The Driftwood Bones in exchange for an honest review.
This was such an immersive and atmospheric crime thriller. From the very beginning, the Nantucket setting created this moody, windswept backdrop that perfectly matched the tension simmering beneath the surface of the story. Peter Colt did an incredible job blending a compelling murder investigation with deeply flawed, realistic characters, and I was hooked the entire time.
What really stood out to me was the complexity of the main character. Tommy Kelly isn’t a perfect detective by any means, which made him feel all the more believable. The personal stakes woven into the investigation added so much depth to the story, and the shifting relationships between the characters kept me constantly invested. The mystery itself unfolded at a steady pace with enough twists and buried secrets to keep me guessing without ever feeling overdone.
I also loved how the novel captured the contrast between Nantucket’s polished image and the darker truths hiding underneath it. The atmosphere, tension, and emotional layers all worked together so well. This was a sharp, compelling thriller that felt both character-driven and suspenseful, and it easily became one of my favorite mystery reads of the year.
This was such an immersive and atmospheric crime thriller. From the very beginning, the Nantucket setting created this moody, windswept backdrop that perfectly matched the tension simmering beneath the surface of the story. Peter Colt did an incredible job blending a compelling murder investigation with deeply flawed, realistic characters, and I was hooked the entire time.
What really stood out to me was the complexity of the main character. Tommy Kelly isn’t a perfect detective by any means, which made him feel all the more believable. The personal stakes woven into the investigation added so much depth to the story, and the shifting relationships between the characters kept me constantly invested. The mystery itself unfolded at a steady pace with enough twists and buried secrets to keep me guessing without ever feeling overdone.
I also loved how the novel captured the contrast between Nantucket’s polished image and the darker truths hiding underneath it. The atmosphere, tension, and emotional layers all worked together so well. This was a sharp, compelling thriller that felt both character-driven and suspenseful, and it easily became one of my favorite mystery reads of the year.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was my first Peter Colt novel and it delivered lots of drama. I'm sure you would get more if you had read the first in the series, but I wasn't too lost. This book is not too long or too short. Lots of character development through the book.
"Detective Tommy Kelly has been exiled to Nantucket as the island’s lone state trooper—punishment for professional misconduct that left him isolated, bitter, and relegated to traffic violations. For a homicide detective, there isn’t much to do in a place others call paradise. Until a young woman is found floating in the harbor in Pocomo.
The case forces Tommy to partner again with NPD detective Jo Harris, reopening wounds from their shared past and reminding him of everything he destroyed. Keeping things professional and by the book, they quickly identify the victim—a house cleaner—and close in on their prime suspect. But the investigation takes an unexpected turn. So does Tommy’s judgment when he reignites an affair with a married college acquaintance.
As Tommy and Jo follow an unexpected twist in the case, they discover that beneath Nantucket’s pristine beaches and old-money elegance, something dark is festering. And it’s about to surface."
"Detective Tommy Kelly has been exiled to Nantucket as the island’s lone state trooper—punishment for professional misconduct that left him isolated, bitter, and relegated to traffic violations. For a homicide detective, there isn’t much to do in a place others call paradise. Until a young woman is found floating in the harbor in Pocomo.
The case forces Tommy to partner again with NPD detective Jo Harris, reopening wounds from their shared past and reminding him of everything he destroyed. Keeping things professional and by the book, they quickly identify the victim—a house cleaner—and close in on their prime suspect. But the investigation takes an unexpected turn. So does Tommy’s judgment when he reignites an affair with a married college acquaintance.
As Tommy and Jo follow an unexpected twist in the case, they discover that beneath Nantucket’s pristine beaches and old-money elegance, something dark is festering. And it’s about to surface."
June 26, 2026
Thank you to Peter Colt and Brilliance Publishing for the advanced listening copy!
4⭐️🎧
The Driftwood Bones is a solid police procedural that truly shines in its setting. Nantucket isn't just the backdrop—it feels like a character itself, with its quiet beaches, old-money charm, and secrets hidden beneath the surface.
The mystery kept me engaged throughout. While the pacing is slower and more methodical than a typical thriller, the investigation unfolds naturally with enough twists to keep me guessing. The character development, particularly Tommy Kelly's, adds depth to the story, and although this is the second book in the series, I was able to follow along without feeling lost. That said, I think reading the first book would provide more insight into Tommy's personal journey.
Chris Ciulla's narration was a standout. He gave each character a distinct voice and brought the island atmosphere to life, making this an easy and enjoyable audiobook to get immersed in.
This was my first Peter Colt novel, and it delivered plenty of drama, strong police work, and an engaging mystery. If you enjoy character-driven procedurals with immersive settings and a slower-burn investigation, this series is worth checking out.
4⭐️🎧
The Driftwood Bones is a solid police procedural that truly shines in its setting. Nantucket isn't just the backdrop—it feels like a character itself, with its quiet beaches, old-money charm, and secrets hidden beneath the surface.
The mystery kept me engaged throughout. While the pacing is slower and more methodical than a typical thriller, the investigation unfolds naturally with enough twists to keep me guessing. The character development, particularly Tommy Kelly's, adds depth to the story, and although this is the second book in the series, I was able to follow along without feeling lost. That said, I think reading the first book would provide more insight into Tommy's personal journey.
Chris Ciulla's narration was a standout. He gave each character a distinct voice and brought the island atmosphere to life, making this an easy and enjoyable audiobook to get immersed in.
This was my first Peter Colt novel, and it delivered plenty of drama, strong police work, and an engaging mystery. If you enjoy character-driven procedurals with immersive settings and a slower-burn investigation, this series is worth checking out.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“The Driftwood Bones” was my first experience with author Peter Colt and his creation, Tommy Kelly. Colt makes it easy to join in this series without prior knowledge of the previous book. His writing style is laid back, even as the action is going wild around us.
I am a huge fan of the Jesse Stone series created by the legend, Robert B. Parker. This audiobook reminded me of the audiobook version of the Jesse Stone series. And I mean that in a good way. The narration by Chris Ciulla is brilliant. He invites you to care even more about the people we are introduced to throughout the novel. He brings Tommy Kelly to life. This audiobook is worth your listen even after you have read the novel.
As far as the mystery goes, I wasn’t sure what I was in for since I was not familiar with his writing. Peter Colt writes a top-notch mystery. But once again, the depth that the characters are written is the strength of this novel.
I look forward to reading the first book in the series and following along as we go.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
I am a huge fan of the Jesse Stone series created by the legend, Robert B. Parker. This audiobook reminded me of the audiobook version of the Jesse Stone series. And I mean that in a good way. The narration by Chris Ciulla is brilliant. He invites you to care even more about the people we are introduced to throughout the novel. He brings Tommy Kelly to life. This audiobook is worth your listen even after you have read the novel.
As far as the mystery goes, I wasn’t sure what I was in for since I was not familiar with his writing. Peter Colt writes a top-notch mystery. But once again, the depth that the characters are written is the strength of this novel.
I look forward to reading the first book in the series and following along as we go.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
July 2, 2026
As someone who watches way too many true crime documentaries, this audiobook was right up my alley.
Set on Nantucket, the story begins when an unidentified woman is found floating in the harbor. Detective Tommy Kelly, a state trooper with a troubled past, teams up with Detective Jo Harris to investigate, and the mystery kept me guessing as more suspects and secrets surfaced.
Even though this is book two in the Detective Tommy Kelly series, I had no issues reading it as a standalone. The investigation was engaging, I enjoyed the interactions between the detectives and law enforcement, and the island setting created an interesting contrast between a popular tourist destination and the darker story unfolding beneath the surface.
Chris Ciulla did an excellent job narrating. His different voices and accents made the characters easy to distinguish and added another level of immersion to the audiobook.
If you enjoy police procedurals, murder mysteries, and stories that feel like listening to a true crime documentary, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a listen.
Set on Nantucket, the story begins when an unidentified woman is found floating in the harbor. Detective Tommy Kelly, a state trooper with a troubled past, teams up with Detective Jo Harris to investigate, and the mystery kept me guessing as more suspects and secrets surfaced.
Even though this is book two in the Detective Tommy Kelly series, I had no issues reading it as a standalone. The investigation was engaging, I enjoyed the interactions between the detectives and law enforcement, and the island setting created an interesting contrast between a popular tourist destination and the darker story unfolding beneath the surface.
Chris Ciulla did an excellent job narrating. His different voices and accents made the characters easy to distinguish and added another level of immersion to the audiobook.
If you enjoy police procedurals, murder mysteries, and stories that feel like listening to a true crime documentary, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a listen.
July 23, 2026
entertaining as heck I love Tommy Kelly!
I loved the first Kelly book so much I started this one immediately when I finished the first. Sadly this book was incredibly repetitive. The conversations between Jo and Kelly were on repeat while so often absolutely nothing happened. I swear they drove around the island talking about the case for an entire book. I love Detective Kelly though. I especially love this authors style. He is candid, consistent and really authentic. I feel like reading his novels is like sitting in his office chatting with the man. I love his style. But he needed to flesh out the story more before he let this one go. I blame this kind of problem on a bad editor whose job it is to protect skilled writers from publishing a book where nothing happens. Nonetheless you bet your sweet a** I’m buying and reading the next Kelly book the instant it publishes. He’s a likable guy. And I have the feeling so is Peter Colt. A really likable guy. Just one more note. The ending…ooof!
I loved the first Kelly book so much I started this one immediately when I finished the first. Sadly this book was incredibly repetitive. The conversations between Jo and Kelly were on repeat while so often absolutely nothing happened. I swear they drove around the island talking about the case for an entire book. I love Detective Kelly though. I especially love this authors style. He is candid, consistent and really authentic. I feel like reading his novels is like sitting in his office chatting with the man. I love his style. But he needed to flesh out the story more before he let this one go. I blame this kind of problem on a bad editor whose job it is to protect skilled writers from publishing a book where nothing happens. Nonetheless you bet your sweet a** I’m buying and reading the next Kelly book the instant it publishes. He’s a likable guy. And I have the feeling so is Peter Colt. A really likable guy. Just one more note. The ending…ooof!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book 2, Detective Tommy Kelly Series
Detective Tommy Kelly, reassigned to Nantucket as the island’s sole state trooper after a professional lapse, finds himself isolated until he discovers a woman’s body in Pocomo Harbor. Teaming up with NPD detective Jo Harris, despite lingering personal conflicts, they uncover the victim’s identity as a house cleaner and embark on a pursuit of a suspect. As the investigation progresses, Tommy’s romance and unexpected developments unveil a web of corruption concealed beneath the island’s affluent facade.
My sole criticism is the excessive use of the phrase “That makes sense,” which became quite irritating throughout the book.
**I would like to express my gratitude to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read this gifted ebook in exchange for an honest review. #ARC #NetGalley
#TheDriftwoodBones
Detective Tommy Kelly, reassigned to Nantucket as the island’s sole state trooper after a professional lapse, finds himself isolated until he discovers a woman’s body in Pocomo Harbor. Teaming up with NPD detective Jo Harris, despite lingering personal conflicts, they uncover the victim’s identity as a house cleaner and embark on a pursuit of a suspect. As the investigation progresses, Tommy’s romance and unexpected developments unveil a web of corruption concealed beneath the island’s affluent facade.
My sole criticism is the excessive use of the phrase “That makes sense,” which became quite irritating throughout the book.
**I would like to express my gratitude to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read this gifted ebook in exchange for an honest review. #ARC #NetGalley
#TheDriftwoodBones
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC of this book.
Set on Nantucket Island, The Driftwood Bones begins with the discovery of a woman's body near the shore. With the island's typically low crime rate, the suspected homicide calls for the expertise of Detective Tommy Kelly and his former partner, Jo Harris.
Although I haven't yet read the first book in the Detective Tommy Kelly series, I had no trouble following the story. The banter between Kelly and Harris is engaging and well written, adding both personality and depth to the investigation.
Chris Ciulla narrates the audiobook and does an excellent job bringing the Nantucket setting to life. As a Midwesterner, I found the accent a bit much at times—though I'm sure my Wisconsin accent might sound just as strong to others!
Overall, this was a pleasant, easy read with a solid mystery and likable characters. Recommended.
Set on Nantucket Island, The Driftwood Bones begins with the discovery of a woman's body near the shore. With the island's typically low crime rate, the suspected homicide calls for the expertise of Detective Tommy Kelly and his former partner, Jo Harris.
Although I haven't yet read the first book in the Detective Tommy Kelly series, I had no trouble following the story. The banter between Kelly and Harris is engaging and well written, adding both personality and depth to the investigation.
Chris Ciulla narrates the audiobook and does an excellent job bringing the Nantucket setting to life. As a Midwesterner, I found the accent a bit much at times—though I'm sure my Wisconsin accent might sound just as strong to others!
Overall, this was a pleasant, easy read with a solid mystery and likable characters. Recommended.
June 23, 2026
The Driftwood Bones is another strong entry in the series. The pacing was a little slower than I typically prefer, but the mystery itself was engaging and the characters continue to be a big draw. I especially enjoy spending time with this cast and seeing their relationships develop from book to book.
The story builds steadily toward a surprising twist that genuinely caught me off guard, which is always a pleasant surprise for a mystery reader. While the investigation takes its time, the payoff was worth it.
Chris Ciulla’s narration was excellent. He brought the Nantucket setting to life and added so much atmosphere to the listening experience. His performance really helped immerse me in the story and made the location feel like a character in its own right.
Overall, a good second installment that leaves me looking forward to the next book in the series.
The story builds steadily toward a surprising twist that genuinely caught me off guard, which is always a pleasant surprise for a mystery reader. While the investigation takes its time, the payoff was worth it.
Chris Ciulla’s narration was excellent. He brought the Nantucket setting to life and added so much atmosphere to the listening experience. His performance really helped immerse me in the story and made the location feel like a character in its own right.
Overall, a good second installment that leaves me looking forward to the next book in the series.
July 1, 2026
This is a good follow-up to new detective series featuring Massachusetts state cop Tommy Kelly who has been banished to Nantucket as a kind of punishment. He is completely realistic, neither over-the-top infallible or with so much baggage because of his terrible backstory that he comes across as completely broken. He's also made mistakes, lots of them, but he's coping. There is good chemistry with Nantucket PD detective Jo Harris, and they again join forces to solve a murder. The ending is completely satisfying on more than one level as Det. Kelly solves the case. Narrator Chris Ciulla once more does a great job providing a Boston accent and bringing all the characters, but especially the protagonist, to life. I kind of want to go back and listen to the first book again because I've forgotten some of the details and author Peter Colt is not one to rehash everything over and over.
August 21, 2026
The Driftwood Bones by Peter Colt is a gripping police procedural that follows Detective Tommy Kelly, a compromised homicide detective exiled to Nantucket Island as a lone state trooper following professional misconduct. His dull routine of traffic violations is shattered when the body of a young house cleaner is discovered floating in Pocomo harbor, forcing him to reluctantly team up with Nantucket Police Department detective Jo Harris and confront the painful history of their shared past. As the investigation deepens, Tommy's judgment is severely clouded by a reckless affair with a married college acquaintance. Together, the detectives follow a twisted trail of clues that strips away Nantucket's pristine, old-money exterior to expose a dark, dangerous underbelly festering beneath the wealthy paradise
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is book two in the series and you will be a bit lost if you didn't read book one. Detective Tommy Kelly has been sent to Nantucket as the only state trooper as a way to banish him after professional misconduct. He gets a call that there is a body found floating in the harbor.
Kelly doesn't like being in Nantucket and is fighting bad memories that have a hold on him.
Once again he gets teamed up with Detective Jo Harris. These two have history but try and keep everything by the book this time around. On the island there is a clear boundary between those with money and those without.
As they discover who the Jane Doe is they must discover who wanted her gone. Once again Detective Tommy Kelly crosses a line he shouldn't have.
Kelly doesn't like being in Nantucket and is fighting bad memories that have a hold on him.
Once again he gets teamed up with Detective Jo Harris. These two have history but try and keep everything by the book this time around. On the island there is a clear boundary between those with money and those without.
As they discover who the Jane Doe is they must discover who wanted her gone. Once again Detective Tommy Kelly crosses a line he shouldn't have.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Received as an ARC through Netgalley to review, this is an honest review.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer for posting this as a 'Read Now' book.
Despite not realizing this was the second book in a series, I really did enjoy the careful, delicate way the author wrote this book. It flows like a raging river how fast it was read; and yet characters such as Detectives' Tommy Kelly and Jo Harris stood out in the investigation of a murdered woman that means blurring personal feelings that bound a past that won't stay where it should be and how professional to pursue justice as their case takes them to darker corners of humanity, as one case means so much more further down the road.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer for posting this as a 'Read Now' book.
Despite not realizing this was the second book in a series, I really did enjoy the careful, delicate way the author wrote this book. It flows like a raging river how fast it was read; and yet characters such as Detectives' Tommy Kelly and Jo Harris stood out in the investigation of a murdered woman that means blurring personal feelings that bound a past that won't stay where it should be and how professional to pursue justice as their case takes them to darker corners of humanity, as one case means so much more further down the road.
March 2, 2026
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for this eARC.
The Driftwood Bones returns with Detectives Thomas Kelly and Jo Harris rejoin forces (from the novel Cold Island, enough history is included so you can read this is a standalone but both books are enjoyable police procedurals) to solve a murder. I enjoyed the added development of both detectives' personalities in this solid mystery series from Peter Colt, and although this is slated as book 2 of 2 in the Thomas Kelly series, I would like to see Kelly return to full homicide detective status the continuation of this series, personally.
The Driftwood Bones returns with Detectives Thomas Kelly and Jo Harris rejoin forces (from the novel Cold Island, enough history is included so you can read this is a standalone but both books are enjoyable police procedurals) to solve a murder. I enjoyed the added development of both detectives' personalities in this solid mystery series from Peter Colt, and although this is slated as book 2 of 2 in the Thomas Kelly series, I would like to see Kelly return to full homicide detective status the continuation of this series, personally.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Many thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. Chris Ciulla does a great job narrating this story.
Tommy Kelly is a police detective banished to Nantucket for something that he did in the past. He investigates the murder of a woman found floating in an oyster bed and digs himself into more trouble.
I found this to be a decent mystery but very repetitive of previously stated details and dialogue. The story is heavy on police procedure which I liked but the pacing was a bit slow, making the story plod along. 3.5 rounded up.
Tommy Kelly is a police detective banished to Nantucket for something that he did in the past. He investigates the murder of a woman found floating in an oyster bed and digs himself into more trouble.
I found this to be a decent mystery but very repetitive of previously stated details and dialogue. The story is heavy on police procedure which I liked but the pacing was a bit slow, making the story plod along. 3.5 rounded up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ALC.
Unfortunately, this audiobook wasn’t the right fit for me. I gave it multiple chapters and even adjusted my listening speed, but I couldn’t connect with the narration style. It felt more like a radio advertisement than an immersive audiobook experience, which made it difficult for me to settle into the story.
Because I stopped listening early, I don’t feel comfortable evaluating the plot itself. Readers who enjoy this narration style may have a very different experience, but for me the audio presentation prevented me from fully engaging with the book.
Unfortunately, this audiobook wasn’t the right fit for me. I gave it multiple chapters and even adjusted my listening speed, but I couldn’t connect with the narration style. It felt more like a radio advertisement than an immersive audiobook experience, which made it difficult for me to settle into the story.
Because I stopped listening early, I don’t feel comfortable evaluating the plot itself. Readers who enjoy this narration style may have a very different experience, but for me the audio presentation prevented me from fully engaging with the book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tommy Kelly was a good detective but for now he is working as a state trooper on Nantucket Island where he was born. He does not have good memories of his childhood. A body is found floating in Pocomo harbour and Tommy will work with NPD detective Jo Harris to find out who the woman was, what happened to her and who is responsible.
Very well written and narrated novel )I listened to the audiobook). Very good characters with interesting back stories. The island is small but getting people to talk is difficult, they do not trust the police. Well paced, well structured novel with twists that could affect the investigation. Gripping and enjoyable.
Very well written and narrated novel )I listened to the audiobook). Very good characters with interesting back stories. The island is small but getting people to talk is difficult, they do not trust the police. Well paced, well structured novel with twists that could affect the investigation. Gripping and enjoyable.
July 1, 2026
The Driftwood Bones is a character-driven thriller that moves at a satisfying clip. The island setting is one of its biggest strengths: pristine beaches, quiet harbors, the kind of place that looks idyllic on the surface. But that's exactly what makes it work. The corruption and violence simmering underneath all that beauty are portrayed with real atmosphere, and the contrast never feels forced.
The narration added a lot to the experience too. It genuinely brought the atmosphere and the ethos of the story to life in a way that made the setting feel even more lived-in.
Thank you Netgalley and Brilliance Audio for the ARC.
The narration added a lot to the experience too. It genuinely brought the atmosphere and the ethos of the story to life in a way that made the setting feel even more lived-in.
Thank you Netgalley and Brilliance Audio for the ARC.
July 16, 2026
What I liked:
The biggest strength of this book was its characters. They felt like real people, with believable conversations, flawed personalities, and complicated relationships. Detective Tommy Kelly, in particular, is far from perfect, and that made him much more interesting to follow.
What didn’t work for me:
While the mystery kept me reading, the overall story never became as gripping as I hoped. The pacing was steady but lacked the tension I was looking for, and the final twist felt like it appeared out of nowhere instead of being carefully built up throughout the novel. Because of that, the ending didn’t have the impact I wanted.
The biggest strength of this book was its characters. They felt like real people, with believable conversations, flawed personalities, and complicated relationships. Detective Tommy Kelly, in particular, is far from perfect, and that made him much more interesting to follow.
What didn’t work for me:
While the mystery kept me reading, the overall story never became as gripping as I hoped. The pacing was steady but lacked the tension I was looking for, and the final twist felt like it appeared out of nowhere instead of being carefully built up throughout the novel. Because of that, the ending didn’t have the impact I wanted.
August 16, 2026
This one wasn't any better than the first in the series. Det Tommy Kelly is still "banished" by the State police to Nantucket Island. If there is a homicide, he's in charge over the local police. Finally we do find out why he was banished (because of his ex-wife's father pulling strings) but it leaves him little time to visit with his boys.
A "floater" is found in some oyster beds and Kelly & local PD Det Jo Harris hunt few leads. However, it was "easy" for me to figure out since one new character appeared prominently throughout with suspicious interest in Kelly.
Plodding, slow but killer found in the end.
A "floater" is found in some oyster beds and Kelly & local PD Det Jo Harris hunt few leads. However, it was "easy" for me to figure out since one new character appeared prominently throughout with suspicious interest in Kelly.
Plodding, slow but killer found in the end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2.5 ⭐
Not much more than an ok for me I'm afraid.
It's the second in the series, and I hadn't read the first. I now don't need to, as it was mentioned so much here.
Also mentioned far too much was his love life, past present and future, or possibility of one.
I feel it took up a good 33% of the book.
Other than that, it was a good listen, kept me company in the early hours of the morning.
It paints a good picture of the location too, which is almost like an extra character.
Thanks to netgalley for the free digital copy.
Not much more than an ok for me I'm afraid.
It's the second in the series, and I hadn't read the first. I now don't need to, as it was mentioned so much here.
Also mentioned far too much was his love life, past present and future, or possibility of one.
I feel it took up a good 33% of the book.
Other than that, it was a good listen, kept me company in the early hours of the morning.
It paints a good picture of the location too, which is almost like an extra character.
Thanks to netgalley for the free digital copy.
August 2, 2026
Not much of a story
No plot development. Two cops bungle around making the same complaint in every chapter - that they don't have any evidence. Then out of the blue, for some unknown reason, their only witness decides to tell all that she was holding back. Also, too much descriptive detail that neither moves the plot forward nor aids in character development. And by the end of the book I was really tired of the main character's internal ruminations, saying the same thing over and over again.
No plot development. Two cops bungle around making the same complaint in every chapter - that they don't have any evidence. Then out of the blue, for some unknown reason, their only witness decides to tell all that she was holding back. Also, too much descriptive detail that neither moves the plot forward nor aids in character development. And by the end of the book I was really tired of the main character's internal ruminations, saying the same thing over and over again.
August 23, 2026
I loved the first book in the series and was excited for this one to drop. This one didn’t quite hit the same. I can’t put my finger on the difference. I wanted to scream at the detective a couple of times because they just seemed to be running in circles without asking the basic questions. The catalyst for the big ending twist did not surprise me at all. Clocked it immediately when the character entered the story. It was not believable that a seasoned officer would talk freely about a case even if the island was gossiping about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was an edge-of-the-seat thriller that had me glued from the start. I really enjoy stories that can grab your attention right from page 1. You can almost feel like you are there. The main characters are written very well. I found their personalities to be quite quirky and unique. The plot was laid out well with some very well done twists and turns. This was a first story by this author for me and I'm looking forward to reading more.
June 29, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
While I really enjoyed the first book of this series, I have to say this one fell flat for me. There was a lot of repetition, the characters didn't develop, in my opinion, and the story was just sort of meh. I did find a few aspects of the book that I enjoyed, over all it was not a favorite.
I did like that the narrator really grasped the accent which help drive home the location and era of the book.
While I really enjoyed the first book of this series, I have to say this one fell flat for me. There was a lot of repetition, the characters didn't develop, in my opinion, and the story was just sort of meh. I did find a few aspects of the book that I enjoyed, over all it was not a favorite.
I did like that the narrator really grasped the accent which help drive home the location and era of the book.
September 13, 2026
i liked it, but unfortunately didn’t love it. It was fun to return to the island and reunite with the characters. I was hoping for a little more character growth in this one but was sadly disappointed. The case was interesting and I was invested from the beginning. Bu the conclusion was not very satisfactory and felt too tidy for me. Not my favorite in the series, but I look forward to reading more.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I didn’t read book 1 before reading this one. I did feel like a missed a little but was still able to keep up with the current story.
Overall it was a good read. It had some nice surprises that weren’t really predictable which is always good.
Definitely recommend and want to go back and read the other in the series
Thank you NetGalley for the copy
Overall it was a good read. It had some nice surprises that weren’t really predictable which is always good.
Definitely recommend and want to go back and read the other in the series
Thank you NetGalley for the copy
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