Blast from the Past

DI Bob Willis #2

by Damien Boyd

The past left scars. The killer left clues, in this tense thriller from the bestselling DI Bob Willis series.

It is 1986. Assigned to a new Cold Case Unit, retired Detective Inspector Mungo ‘Bob’ Willis has reopened the investigation into the 1962 disappearance of a nine-year-old boy. Paul Bromfield was snatched from one of the last steam trains from Evercreech Junction to Burnham-on-Sea and later found dead in an abandoned bunker.

A day at the seaside turned to tragedy. And a child’s name everyone remembers.

The killer has been watching—waiting for this moment. When another child vanishes and chilling messages begin to arrive, Bob finds himself caught in a dangerous game. With time running out, he must decipher clues that have been hidden in plain sight for decades; clues that point to the lasting fallout from a forgotten nightmare.

The truth is still out there. And it’s not finished with him yet.

Genres: Mystery

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 6, 2026

About the author

Damien Boyd is a former solicitor turned crime fiction writer.

Drawing on extensive experience of criminal law as well as a spell in the Crown Prosecution Service, Damien writes fast paced crime novels featuring Detective Inspector Nick Dixon.

Damien is published by Thomas & Mercer.

Reviews

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh I just love this lil maverick. Authority? Eff it. Police procedure? Never met her. Gut instincts almost always hitting the mark? Priceless.
Completely sprinted through this book and couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for the next one.

[Mrs Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

this 2nd book in what I hope will be a fantastic series set in the 1980's, has Mungo 'Bob' Willis starting on his 1st cold case, looking into the disappearance of a 9 year old boy from a steam train trip on 1962, whose body was found weeks later in a nuclear bunker, while Bob is starting to talk to people who were on the train another 9 year old is taken on the anniversary of the first boys death, this gets Bob working alongside a team on the current investigation, where his instincts find the boy alive, then following another murder and finally a kidnapping, we get to see a side to Bob that was hidden, his stubbornness and sheer determination to find the person who seeks revenge on all the people he blames for the tragic deaths of his family. we're led through past events, to a yacht filled with explosives, the atmosphere of wading through ditches and peat fields to barrage balloon hangers... an intense thought provoking tale that keeps the reader wanting to read until the last page without stopping. Damien Boyd has produced another 5🌟book ... roll on No.3 cannot wait 👌

[Babydoclaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent mystery/thriller from Damien Boyd. Mungo 'Bob' Willis is back, working the cold case unit. He's darker and more flawed than Nick Dixon from Boyd's other series, but just as dogged in pursuit of the truth and doing the right thing. These mysteries are set in the 1980s, which lend a a different feel to the books as well. I really enjoy the characters and the tension as the mystery deepens. I look forward to the next DI Willis.

[Desney King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bob Willis is not Nick Dixon

I've gobbled up each of Damien Boyd's Nick Dixon novels - they're excellent! Five stars, every one of them.
So I was eager to meet Boyd's new hero (if you could call him that, because he certainly doesn't have great self-esteem).
The story is a page-turner, more captivating than the first in this series, with a cast of quirky, interesting characters.
Apart from DI Bob Willis, that is. Do you see what I did there? That's right! I'm imitating the deeply irritating Willis. But you probably knew that, didn't you?
A constant stream of gratuitous asides to the reader and rhetorical questions had me wanting to throw my Kindle at the wall. Only Boyd's clever plotting and pacing kept me reading.
Dear Damien Boyd, please let Bob experience a transformative personal growth spurt before he arrives in Book 3.
He's the most irritating character I've spent time with in years. He'll never get Shirley back at this rate.
Blast from the Past has earned 4 stars despite its protagonist and because it's a ripping good yarn.
I don't know whether I could stand more of Bob Willis though, unless he cleans up his act.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another masterpiece

Wow, what a fabulous read! I literally couldn’t make myself put this book down, so now I’m writing this review at 1am. ‘Bob’ Willis is most definitely flawed, but he is also a very good detective, all be it retired. With instincts that can’t be ignored, determination that might also be described as sheer bloody mindness and a talent for sidestepping authority when needed, Bob is out to get his man, especially when a cold case becomes a live case…and then it gets personal.

Damien Boyd is without doubt my favourite crime fiction writer, with storylines that keep you guessing and lead detectives that have you cheering them on, whilst always confident that they will get their killer.

[Rosemary Dreyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was glad there was another book in the Bob Willis series. He’s such a good, tortured character and I like that he’s retired, acting as a consultant. Sharp is still obnoxious but he made some growth. Mary is an excellent new character and I hope she’ll feature in the next book. Last book, I wanted to know more about Shirley and their children. This book did not disappoint. Honestly, I hope Bob and Shirley do get back together. Having read the Dixon novels, I appreciated the nods to that character. Mr. Boyd does a great job of pacing, from the mundane follow up in detective work, balanced with exciting developments and racing to aid. Overall, I do recommend these books.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent read from Damien Boyd

I love,the way Damien writes in the first person. It makes you,feel like he talking to you personally! Another gripping story about Bob Willis and I really, really enjoyed it. It feels like real life policing and he certainly gets results

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is set in the 80s and Bob is attached to a brand new Cold Case Unit. The first case is a 9 year old boy abducted in the 60s. It was such a great read with several twists and turns and plenty of edge of the seat moments. Bob is a tenacious retired detective. Angela is a journalist and is also determined. Looking forward to the next one in the series.

[Valerie Douthwaite · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read several Damien Boyd books and this one definitely didn't disappoint. I'm already a fan of retired cop Bob Willis, he's got grit and he's determined to follow his gut feelings despite the senior dectective not having faith in his decisions. He's like a dog with a bone and follows his instinct.
A well put together crime story and hard to put down. Will look forward to the next one. 👍🏻

[sandra arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

enthralling as always

Love bob willis stories, hope he comes back again soon. Takes no nonsense of anyone. Like his style. Great story, albeit sad too for a child to have died. Or should I say children to have died. But war is never a fair playing field. Highly recommend this book.

[Paddy Flavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explosive Tale

You will be bowled over by another Mungo “Bob” Willis story that moves faster than the steam trains featured.
Well researched and written as always by the inventive author Damien Boyd

[Jane Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! What a read . This book is damien Boyd’s 2nd outing for retired detective inspector mungo “Bob “ Willis. It’s fast paced and gripping and to coin a phrase, a real page turner. Hope we don’t have to wait too long for book 3

[Diana Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

quirky and original

Loved it. Damien Boyd never disappoints. Bob Willis is a great character; difficult to second guess. Boyd always manages to root his stories in Somerset, for those interested in the area.

[irene mcgovern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excitement at its best

Excitement at its best a non stop rollercoaster with the quiet, calm retired detective. Well written the audience being included constantly. I await the next one

[pauline hadfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I could not put this down, read in one sitting. I just love Damien Boyds easy way of writting. Thoroughly enjoy getting to know the characters. location s. And plots. Always looking g out for his latest offering.

[Judi Strain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved spotting places in Somerset

A very clever book with twists and turns throughout. It's great to see Bob Willis investigate without the constraints of being a serving officer. Look forward to his next adventure

[Colin Catt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blast from the Past

Always enjoyed reading Damien Boyd's books. Read the first in the new series last year and came across this one. Thoroughly enjoyed reading about Bob Willis and his investigation. A good read to be had.

[Roger Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Willis is a rebel who always seems to be able to out think and out smart his peers and superiors. Good story line. Better than the first book in this series which is always a good sign for book 3.

[Robert Anastasiades · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant episode which kept you reading , Bob Willis in his unorthodox way of working got there in the end . Really looking forward to him working his next case. The author is brilliant in the way he draws you in

[christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clever plot

A book to get the reader intrigued from the start. Very well thought out plot with a satisfying outcome. An unusual way of writing which got into the character nicely

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damien Boyd never fails to deliver, another CRACKING read. Mungo ‘Everyone calls me Bob’ Willis is emerging as another strong likeable no nonsense character. Totally looking forward to the next instalment

[Marilena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. I'd read the first and was looking forward to 2nd. Did not disappoint. Kept me interested and engaged all the way through.

[Bob Locke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well writ book Mr Boyd, Bob Willis has a lot going for him, eat your heart out detective Nixon.
I look forward to reading a lot more on the exploits of these two characters.

[Barrie E Millett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great new character Bob Willis retired, 2 cracking stories so far hope there are more to come

[Stella Byfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous

Loved this book. Great story that i couldn't put down. Thanks to Damien Boyd for another great book. Can't wait for the next one.

[Keith Vickerage · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! I’ve enjoyed every book that Damien Boyd has written. This might be my favorite. The plot, character development, and the mystery are all excellent.

[rebecca O. webber · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the second in the Bob Willis series. I was disappointed in this book as I felt there were plot lines that were just lifted from the first book. I am not sure I would read another.

[Mrs Christine Pemberton · Rating 4 out of 5]

great twists and turns

Fast moving, never a dull moment as usual with Damien Boyd
Couldn’t put it down as it is a great read

[mick barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

This was an incredible journey following a retired police man ,and the mention of little

Chefs as an office another first class story.
Thank you .