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The Kendrick Chronicles #1
Bone Machines
They suffer for his art…
When a number of women are reported missing in Glasgow, the specter of a previous spate of unsolved disappearances in the city rears its head. Journalist Ray Bissett is drawn into the case when his daughter joins the ranks of the missing. Ambitious police detective Tom Kendrick won’t let Ray forget a terrible incident from his past that resulted in the death of a young boy.
Damaged lives and dark secrets…
The streets of Glasgow are haunted by the ghosts of the missing—and an artist driven by a deadly inspiration.
When a number of women are reported missing in Glasgow, the specter of a previous spate of unsolved disappearances in the city rears its head. Journalist Ray Bissett is drawn into the case when his daughter joins the ranks of the missing. Ambitious police detective Tom Kendrick won’t let Ray forget a terrible incident from his past that resulted in the death of a young boy.
Damaged lives and dark secrets…
The streets of Glasgow are haunted by the ghosts of the missing—and an artist driven by a deadly inspiration.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2011
3 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
John Dodds
24 books9 followersI am the author of The Kendrick Chronicles crime series. The first three books, Bone Machines, Kali's Kiss, and Babylon Slide are out now as audiobooks from Blackstone Audio, Inc. The first two are narrated by Robin Sachs, who has appeared in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Babylon 5, Galaxy Quest, Lost World: Jurassic Park and more, while Babylon Slide is narrated by John Lee, a multiple award-winning narrator who has performed novels by Jo Nesbo and George R.R. Martin, among a host of others. The audiobooks are available in CD, MP3 disc and download formats from all major retailers, such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Audible and downpour.com.
I also have a number of works, including a steampunk YA, The Mechanikals and shorter works out on Amazon.
I also have a number of works, including a steampunk YA, The Mechanikals and shorter works out on Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 6, 2025
interesting, compelling, good pace and outside the norm for many crime dramas. I liked it quite a bit. had me thinking about the bone collector movie. I would read another from this author.
March 10, 2018
We know who the serial killer is in this book right from the outset - or so we think. Steven Morrell is a strange, troubled and talented artist exploring death through his installations. But when people start to go missing around Glasgow, it becomes clear that his art has deeper meaning. Ray Bisset is a journalist whose daughter gets caught up with Morell, so he seeks the help of DI Tom Kendrick.
The serial killer angle of this story is very chilling, but I found that there wasn't any major twist in the book which couldn't be guessed at from early on. Furthermore, the book is left hanging, ending rather abruptly without any real conclusion. That does annoy me. Even if there is another book coming, I'd like to feel a little more satisfaction at the end.
The serial killer angle of this story is very chilling, but I found that there wasn't any major twist in the book which couldn't be guessed at from early on. Furthermore, the book is left hanging, ending rather abruptly without any real conclusion. That does annoy me. Even if there is another book coming, I'd like to feel a little more satisfaction at the end.
July 12, 2022
CW: time period accurate though problematic depiction of a trans character
Otherwise good pacing and kept my attention. Though since the chronicles are named after my least liked character I’ll be skipping the rest in the series.
Otherwise good pacing and kept my attention. Though since the chronicles are named after my least liked character I’ll be skipping the rest in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2025
This story was interesting, hard to tell where it's going next. I felt a bit rushed in both the set-up and wrap-up, so that left me on uneven footing the whole time I was reading, I felt like I was missing something. Too gruesome for me, decidedly not my genre, despite the interesting setting.
February 18, 2017
I listened to one of my favorite narrators, Robin Sachs, but even his excellent performance couldn't make this dark and gruesome novel more than pedestrian with characters I simply didn't care about.
May 14, 2015
Reminiscent of Mo Hayder's books my library shelved this under Horror - which I think was a mistake. The actual "mystery" was a little too easy to figure out but the character's were quite interesting and there was good atmosphere to the story.
August 22, 2022
If you don't like procedurals involving serial killers and their activities, this is not for you. Otherwise, this is a solid read with an imperfect policeman and a properly chilling killer with his own artistic vision. There is enough suspense to satisfy fans of this genre and an interesting twist. Some of the action may feel predictable, but the plot is tight enough and moves at a good enough pace to make it an enjoyable thrill ride.
October 10, 2025
🪦 Obituary: This reader
Cause of Death: boredom (respectfully) 🥀
This should’ve been my perfect weird little crypt of a read … bones, mystery, creepy vibes…. but instead it felt like watching paint dry in a morgue.
10/10 title, 0/10 pulse.
Cause of Death: boredom (respectfully) 🥀
This should’ve been my perfect weird little crypt of a read … bones, mystery, creepy vibes…. but instead it felt like watching paint dry in a morgue.
10/10 title, 0/10 pulse.
July 6, 2017
Macabre art starts to show up around town using body parts of humans and animals combined. A creepy whodunit!
Read
March 17, 2017A good mystery, but not horror. I'll try another by this author yet.
January 1, 2012
From indie author John Dodds comes a very dark novel of a serial killer who murders for his love of his art.
Stephen Morrell is an artist with a very different medium. Decay, destruction, human bones, bodies, they are what make his art stand out. However, how he acquires his medium is his true art form and his victims will suffer for his art. They are men and women from around the Glasgow who have gone missing and yet the police are not willing to say that they are related. When people look at his art, he knows that they will never understand the true meaning of each piece of death that is portrayed, yet they attempt to and flock to see him. Ray Bissett is an investigative reporter who has put others on the line before just to get a story. He is drawn into the missing people story determined to show that they are linked, never realizing that this story is one that will hit very close to home.
I'm not sure how I found this ebook, but I thought it sounded interesting and I liked the name to I decided to read the first few pages to see if i would like it, I was hooked in from the first few pages. I did not want to put this book down, it had many of the elements that I look for in a thriller book.
The serial killer in this novel is Fantastically Sinister and Evil. I did not even mind that you know who it is at the serial killer is at the beginning of the book. Dodds does not go into too much detail of what is done to the victims but enough detail is given to give the reader the creeps but much of it is left to your own imagination which I think is worse. I like the interaction between Stephan's art and his victims (his real art form), as he displays many of the classic psychopathic tendencies. I also like how Dodds had Stephen have the ability to wear the mask of normalcy around everyone but his victims. This made him much more real and scary as he really could be anyone, anywhere. I really enjoyed the chapters from Stephan's point of view. How he views other people, how he hunts, his journal entries, all were really interesting and have the ability to really draw the reader in. The one thing I did not like was the "surprise" near the end of the book. This surprise used to be unique however, I have found more and more authors turning this way, therefore, the impact and uniqueness has worn off.
Outside of Stephen I found that this book was lacking in a few places. Ray the investigative reporter but other than a contact near the beginning of the book, I found that he lacked in investigative ability or the right contacts to get the information that he needed. I think the individual in the story who had the most investigative ability is the forensic anthropologist, which is fitting as Stephan's artwork is mainly based in the use of human bones.
I also found that the MP (member of Parliament) Robert Park and Miriam Allen issue was never fully finished or explained, and I am unsure if Dodds is going to release another book with the same characters in order to finish the Park's issue. It sounds like it but I do not think that I would want to read a book strictly about Ray and a possible corrupt politician. I think that Dodds novel should have forgot about the political angle and just stuck with the serial killer one as that was the best part of the book.
While this novel may be lacking in certain parts (oh and I will mention that there are a few spelling a grammar errors but nothing too major), I think that it is worth reading just for the serial killer aspects. This is where Dodds excelled in this book and would encourage me to read another novel by him if it is crime based. This is a FREE ebook and smashwords (http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...), and one that I would recommend you try out, it is one of the best free ebooks that I have read.
Enjoy!!!!
Stephen Morrell is an artist with a very different medium. Decay, destruction, human bones, bodies, they are what make his art stand out. However, how he acquires his medium is his true art form and his victims will suffer for his art. They are men and women from around the Glasgow who have gone missing and yet the police are not willing to say that they are related. When people look at his art, he knows that they will never understand the true meaning of each piece of death that is portrayed, yet they attempt to and flock to see him. Ray Bissett is an investigative reporter who has put others on the line before just to get a story. He is drawn into the missing people story determined to show that they are linked, never realizing that this story is one that will hit very close to home.
I'm not sure how I found this ebook, but I thought it sounded interesting and I liked the name to I decided to read the first few pages to see if i would like it, I was hooked in from the first few pages. I did not want to put this book down, it had many of the elements that I look for in a thriller book.
The serial killer in this novel is Fantastically Sinister and Evil. I did not even mind that you know who it is at the serial killer is at the beginning of the book. Dodds does not go into too much detail of what is done to the victims but enough detail is given to give the reader the creeps but much of it is left to your own imagination which I think is worse. I like the interaction between Stephan's art and his victims (his real art form), as he displays many of the classic psychopathic tendencies. I also like how Dodds had Stephen have the ability to wear the mask of normalcy around everyone but his victims. This made him much more real and scary as he really could be anyone, anywhere. I really enjoyed the chapters from Stephan's point of view. How he views other people, how he hunts, his journal entries, all were really interesting and have the ability to really draw the reader in. The one thing I did not like was the "surprise" near the end of the book. This surprise used to be unique however, I have found more and more authors turning this way, therefore, the impact and uniqueness has worn off.
Outside of Stephen I found that this book was lacking in a few places. Ray the investigative reporter but other than a contact near the beginning of the book, I found that he lacked in investigative ability or the right contacts to get the information that he needed. I think the individual in the story who had the most investigative ability is the forensic anthropologist, which is fitting as Stephan's artwork is mainly based in the use of human bones.
I also found that the MP (member of Parliament) Robert Park and Miriam Allen issue was never fully finished or explained, and I am unsure if Dodds is going to release another book with the same characters in order to finish the Park's issue. It sounds like it but I do not think that I would want to read a book strictly about Ray and a possible corrupt politician. I think that Dodds novel should have forgot about the political angle and just stuck with the serial killer one as that was the best part of the book.
While this novel may be lacking in certain parts (oh and I will mention that there are a few spelling a grammar errors but nothing too major), I think that it is worth reading just for the serial killer aspects. This is where Dodds excelled in this book and would encourage me to read another novel by him if it is crime based. This is a FREE ebook and smashwords (http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...), and one that I would recommend you try out, it is one of the best free ebooks that I have read.
Enjoy!!!!
Read
March 19, 2014John discusses this book as well as the audiobook deal process on our latest AISFP podcast.
Review by Matt Hughes
Set in Glasgow, Scotland, Bone Machines by John Dodds is a crime-horror novel with more than a touch of thriller thrown in. The tale is a dark and gritty exploration of the world of art and that of serial killers.
From the first pages, we are introduced to the artist and serial killer Stephen Morrell. Morrell’s work falls along the lines of ‘shock art’ – bone structures, grainy photographs of what might be a fetus and so forth. It is the sort of art that everyone is drawn to just to discuss how disgusting it is and rail against it. That much of the artwork is made from the bones or body parts of his victims make it even more disturbing to the reader and more satisfying to Morrell as he relishes in the attention.
Allowing us to know the identity of the killer so soon lets Dodds leave the reader hanging at just the right moment and set up scenes that leave us dreading what is to come. Both are a mark of a true thriller and he plays with it extremely well.
For much of Bone Machines, we follow Ray Bissett, a reporter held back by a mistake made in years past. Ray’s relationship with his headstrong daughter is key to the story and provides a great deal of emotion, especially when she joins the ranks of those missing. He reluctantly joins forces with ambitious Detective Inspector Tom Kendrick in an effort to track down the killer that is preying on Glasgow’s nightclubs. Kendrick has his own goals and those do not necessarily coincide with Ray’s, setting up plenty of conflict.
There are a host of other characters, each one flawed in their own manner and Dodds does a wonderful job of bringing them to life on the page.
As with many crime novels, the villain is one of the more fascinating characters and Dodds does not disappoint. Morrell is cast as intelligent, sure of himself, and utterly convinced of his actions and perfecting his art. Throughout the story, we are given snapshots of Morrell’s past including his admiration for his father’s power over him and a hint that something is not all together quite right. Dodd uses this to make the reader both understand (and perhaps symptahize with) Morrell while at the same time hating him for his actions and waiting to see what happens next.
All of this combines to a fantastic page turner. If I had a gripe, it would be that several plot threads were left open that I really wanted to see concluded. A hint at an incident in Heathrow and a corrupt politician that Kendrick is pursuing. I hold out hope though as Dodds has announced he is writing a second book with DI Kendrick as the central character.
Of worthwhile note is that Bone Machines is available not only in paperback but also as a free podcast from Podiobooks. Dodds himself does the reading and I found it a remarkable way to step into the Scottish setting. Even when I was reading, rather than listening, I could hear Dodds voice and it helped build the atmosphere. Listening while reading the physical book ended up being my favorite way of devouring the story.
As a writer, Dodds has a talent for drawing in the reader and not letting go. Each page is filled with vibrant description and seethes with tension. This is not too surprising as while Bone Machines is his first novel, Dodds is an experienced short story writer, having earned praise from the likes of Michael Moorcock among others.
Bone Machines hits all the right buttons. I was glued to the pages, cursed up a storm when my iPod died in the middle of a chapter, and was riveted to the end. John Dodds has talent and promise and I look forward to seeing more from him in the future.
Review by Matt Hughes
Set in Glasgow, Scotland, Bone Machines by John Dodds is a crime-horror novel with more than a touch of thriller thrown in. The tale is a dark and gritty exploration of the world of art and that of serial killers.
From the first pages, we are introduced to the artist and serial killer Stephen Morrell. Morrell’s work falls along the lines of ‘shock art’ – bone structures, grainy photographs of what might be a fetus and so forth. It is the sort of art that everyone is drawn to just to discuss how disgusting it is and rail against it. That much of the artwork is made from the bones or body parts of his victims make it even more disturbing to the reader and more satisfying to Morrell as he relishes in the attention.
Allowing us to know the identity of the killer so soon lets Dodds leave the reader hanging at just the right moment and set up scenes that leave us dreading what is to come. Both are a mark of a true thriller and he plays with it extremely well.
For much of Bone Machines, we follow Ray Bissett, a reporter held back by a mistake made in years past. Ray’s relationship with his headstrong daughter is key to the story and provides a great deal of emotion, especially when she joins the ranks of those missing. He reluctantly joins forces with ambitious Detective Inspector Tom Kendrick in an effort to track down the killer that is preying on Glasgow’s nightclubs. Kendrick has his own goals and those do not necessarily coincide with Ray’s, setting up plenty of conflict.
There are a host of other characters, each one flawed in their own manner and Dodds does a wonderful job of bringing them to life on the page.
As with many crime novels, the villain is one of the more fascinating characters and Dodds does not disappoint. Morrell is cast as intelligent, sure of himself, and utterly convinced of his actions and perfecting his art. Throughout the story, we are given snapshots of Morrell’s past including his admiration for his father’s power over him and a hint that something is not all together quite right. Dodd uses this to make the reader both understand (and perhaps symptahize with) Morrell while at the same time hating him for his actions and waiting to see what happens next.
All of this combines to a fantastic page turner. If I had a gripe, it would be that several plot threads were left open that I really wanted to see concluded. A hint at an incident in Heathrow and a corrupt politician that Kendrick is pursuing. I hold out hope though as Dodds has announced he is writing a second book with DI Kendrick as the central character.
Of worthwhile note is that Bone Machines is available not only in paperback but also as a free podcast from Podiobooks. Dodds himself does the reading and I found it a remarkable way to step into the Scottish setting. Even when I was reading, rather than listening, I could hear Dodds voice and it helped build the atmosphere. Listening while reading the physical book ended up being my favorite way of devouring the story.
As a writer, Dodds has a talent for drawing in the reader and not letting go. Each page is filled with vibrant description and seethes with tension. This is not too surprising as while Bone Machines is his first novel, Dodds is an experienced short story writer, having earned praise from the likes of Michael Moorcock among others.
Bone Machines hits all the right buttons. I was glued to the pages, cursed up a storm when my iPod died in the middle of a chapter, and was riveted to the end. John Dodds has talent and promise and I look forward to seeing more from him in the future.
April 3, 2011
I did a review of the book on my weblog.
http://kiasreading.blogspot.com/2011/...
I have a love hate relationship with horror books and movies. I'm a real scaredy cat but at the same time I can't stop watching or reading.
Well, I loved this book. I read it in a short span of time, barely putting it down to do other things.
The group of main characters are very interesting to read about, they all have their own little quirks and problems but at the same time they were bound by an awful faith.
I caught on pretty soon what was going on and what was going to happen, but at the same time I wanted to keep on reading to find out how it would all end. The plot is very well played, the murderer is sexy, interesting and pulls you into his own little world, I could not stop reading because I so badly wanted to know what he would think of next.
The pace was very well done, tight and enticing. The words chosen to describe every scene is very well done and brings up great vivid images. Although sometimes sentences are worded a bit awkwardly and there are a few inconsistencies but not enough to bother me particularly, it's not much, just here and there.
The book introduces a lot of interesting themes, some more gruesome than others but at the same time they are all linked together until the end of the book. No theme is left untouched.
One thing that did bother me a bit is that they never catch the guy. I felt a bit let down by it. I love it when a book is a finished piece on it's own especially horror stories.
Overall I loved the book. Loved how it works out and really like the killer.
http://kiasreading.blogspot.com/2011/...
I have a love hate relationship with horror books and movies. I'm a real scaredy cat but at the same time I can't stop watching or reading.
Well, I loved this book. I read it in a short span of time, barely putting it down to do other things.
The group of main characters are very interesting to read about, they all have their own little quirks and problems but at the same time they were bound by an awful faith.
I caught on pretty soon what was going on and what was going to happen, but at the same time I wanted to keep on reading to find out how it would all end. The plot is very well played, the murderer is sexy, interesting and pulls you into his own little world, I could not stop reading because I so badly wanted to know what he would think of next.
The pace was very well done, tight and enticing. The words chosen to describe every scene is very well done and brings up great vivid images. Although sometimes sentences are worded a bit awkwardly and there are a few inconsistencies but not enough to bother me particularly, it's not much, just here and there.
The book introduces a lot of interesting themes, some more gruesome than others but at the same time they are all linked together until the end of the book. No theme is left untouched.
One thing that did bother me a bit is that they never catch the guy. I felt a bit let down by it. I love it when a book is a finished piece on it's own especially horror stories.
Overall I loved the book. Loved how it works out and really like the killer.
July 23, 2013
Listened to this as an audiobook on a long car trip. Enjoyed the story well enough but I'm not sure if the big reveal at the end was supposed to be a surprise. If it was, it was given away a thousand times over before the denouement. If we were, in fact, supposed to be in on the secret then there didn't need to be so much dancing around the issue. Aside from that, it was a decent book. I'd be willing to check out other books by the author.
July 17, 2016
(Audible; Robin Sachs, narrator) Kendrick Chronicles #1. The grisliest of the four mysteries I have read this month but also the best. Set in Glasgow, my new favorite city although the city itself is not a character. The journalist Ray Bissett is more likeable than the police protagonist Kendrick, who does not seem to have any redeeming personal characteristics; yet, the series is the first in the Kendrick Chronicles, rather than the Bissett Chronicles.
May 26, 2012
The story was good up until the ending. I was all excited to see how things turned out, but when I turned the page on my kobo, there was nothing. I thought maybe it didn't download the last chapter or something, but no that was it. Now some people might enjoy it but be prepared for blood and gore. I read many different authors but the last 3 books I have read, the endings have been disappointing.
March 14, 2012
Kind of a strange story with a few twists. The author seems to have one heck of an imagination. Its a pretty good story - definitely kept my attention. I didn't care too much for the ending. It felt kind of chopped off.
March 19, 2016
Incomplete, rushed ending. This book also could've used a better editor to keep the story from being jumbled at times. If it wasn't for the aforementioned issues, I would've given this book five stars. It is still a creepy, disturbing read.
December 25, 2011
Suspenseful novel about the hunt for a seriously psychopathic serial killer. I found it compelling and will be seeking more from this author.
July 30, 2012
A real disappointment - no closure to the hype!!!!!!
August 20, 2014
Didn't finish.
December 11, 2016
Creepy. You're inside the head of a serial killer and, yet, you still are surprised, big time, at the end.
February 1, 2012
Confusing. Jumps scenes to frequently.
December 23, 2013
A very disturbing murder mystery. Nuf said.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews